FreeWave FGR2-C-U, FGR2-T-U, FGR2-WC, FGR2-CE-U User Manual And Reference Manual

Download

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

FGR2-C-U FGR2-CE-U FGR2-T-U FGR2-WC

Covering Firmware v10.6.7

User Manual and Reference Guide

Part Number: LUM0049AA

Last Updated: 08-01-2014

Safety Information

Warning! Do not remove or insert diagnostics cable while circuit is live.

Warranty

FreeWave Technologies, Inc. warrants your FreeWave® Wireless Data Transceiver against defects in materials and manufacturing for a period of three years from the date of shipment, depending on model number. In the event of a Product failure due to materials or workmanship, FreeWave will, at its discretion, repair or replace the Product. For evaluation of Warranty coverage, return the Product to FreeWave upon receiving a Return Material Authorization (RMA).

In no event will FreeWave Technologies, Inc., its suppliers, or its licensors be liable for any damages arising from the use of or inability to use this Product. This includes business interruption, loss of business information, or other loss which may arise from the use of this Product. OEM customer’s warranty periods can vary.

Warranty Policy will not apply in the following circumstances:

1. If Product repair, adjustments, or parts replacements are required due to accident, neglect, or undue physical, electrical, or electromagnetic stress.

2. If Product is used outside of FreeWave specifications as stated in the Product's data sheet.

3. If Product has been modified, repaired, or altered by Customer unless FreeWave specifically authorized such alterations in each instance in writing. This includes the addition of conformal coating.

Special Rate Replacement Option

A special rate replacement option is offered to non-warranty returns or upgrades. The option to purchase the replacement unit at this special rate is only valid for that RMA. The special replacement rate option expires if not exercised within 30 days of final disposition of RMA.

Restricted Rights

Any product names mentioned in this manual may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies and are hereby acknowledged.

This manual is for use by purchasers and other authorized users of FreeWave products.

No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, or for any purpose without the express written permission of FreeWave Technologies, Inc. FreeWave reserves the right to make changes to this manual without notice. FreeWave assumes no responsibility or liability for the use of this manual or the infringement of any copyright or other proprietary right.

FreeWave products are designed and manufactured in the United States of America.

FreeWave Technologies, Inc.

5395 Pearl Pkwy, Ste. 100

Boulder, CO 80301

303.381.9200

Toll Free: 1.866.923.6168

Printed in the United States of America. Fax: 303.786.9948

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 ii

FreeWave Technologies, Inc. products may be subject to control by the Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and/or the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Export, re-export, or transfer of these products without required authorization from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security, or the U.S. Department of State, Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, as applicable, is prohibited. Any party exporting, re-exporting, or transferring FreeWave products is responsible for obtaining all necessary U.S. government authorizations required to ensure compliance with these and other applicable U.S. laws. Consult with your legal counsel for further guidance.

UL Notifications

Important: The FGR2-WC model described in this manual is not UL certified.

Models FGR2-C-U, FGR2-CE-U, and FGR2-T-U are suitable for use in Class 1, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D or non-hazardous locations only. Do not connect or disconnect any connectors while the circuit is live unless the area is known to be non-hazardous.

Warning! EXPLOSION HAZARD - SUBSTITUTION OF COMPONENTS MAY IMPAIR SUITABILITY FOR CLASS 1, DIVISION 2.

Warning! DO NOT REMOVE OR INSERT THE DIAGNOSTICS CABLE WHILE THE CIRCUIT IS LIVE.

Input voltage for the above models is +6.0 to +30.0 VDC.

Important: Input power shall be derived from a single Class 2 power source.

FCC Notifications

This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) This device may not cause harmful interference and 2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

The content of this guide covers FreeWave Technologies, Inc. models sold under FCC ID: KNYAMI0032AT.

All models sold under the FCC ID(s) listed above must be installed professionally and are only approved for use when installed in devices produced by FreeWave Technologies or third party OEMs with the express written approval of FreeWave Technologies, Inc. Changes or modifications should not be made to the device.

Warning! The transceivers covered in this guide have a maximum transmitted output power of 1000 mW. The antennas used must provide a separation distance of at least 23 cm from all persons and must not be co-located or operate in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

The models described in this guide must be installed in a NEMA enclosure. When any FreeWave Technologies, Inc. module is placed inside an enclosure, a label must be placed on the outside of the enclosure. The label must include the text "Contains Transmitter Module with FCC ID KNYAMM0300AT."

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 iii

IC Notifications

This device complies with Industry Canada license-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device.

Ce dispositif est conforme aux normes permis-exemptes du Canada RSS d'industrie. L'opération est sujette aux deux conditions suivantes : (1) ce dispositif peut ne pas causer l'interférence, et (2) ce dispositif doit accepter n'importe quelle interférence, y compris l'interférence qui peut causer le fonctionnement peu désiré du dispositif.

Schedule of Limitations

l Provision shall be made to prevent the rated voltage being exceeded by the transient disturbances

of more than 140% of the peak rated voltage.

l The system shall be mounted in an ATEX certified enclosure with a minimum ingress protection

rating of at least IP54 as defined in EN60529 and used in an environment of not more than pollution degree 2.

l The enclosure must have a door or cover accessible only by the use of a tool.

l Ambient Temperature -40°C to +75°C.

l Supply conductors should be a minimum 85°C.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 iv

Table Of Contents

Preface ix

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Choosing a Location for the Transceiver 1

Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation 2

Data Communication Link Examples 3

Finding the Product Serial Number 5

Powering the Transceiver 6

Configuration Tool Options 7

Tool Suite and Terminal Emulators 7

Transceiver Setup Mode 8

Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Transceivers 9

Accessing the Setup Menu Using a Terminal Emulator 10

Connecting and Disconnecting from HyperTerminal 12

Troubleshooting HyperTerminal 13

Upgrading Transceivers to the Latest Firmware 14

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup 17

Setting the Transceiver's Role in the Network and the Network Type 17

Establishing Communication with Instrumentation and Computers 20

Baud Rate 20

Data Parity 20

Flow Control 21

Modbus RTU 21

Serial Interface 22

Setup Port 23

Turn Off Delay 23

Turn On Delay 24

Use Break to Access Setup 25

Establishing Communication with Other Transceivers in the Network 25

"Golden Settings" 26

Setting RF Transmission Characteristics 26

Frequency Key (Golden Setting) 27

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 v

Frequency Zones 28

High Noise 30

Hop Table Size 30

Hop Table Version 31

Max Packet Size and Min Packet Size (Golden Setting) 32

MCU Speed 34

Remote LED 34

Retry Time Out 35

RF Data Rate (GoldenSetting) 36

RTS to CTS 36

Slave Security 37

Transmit Power 39

Transmit Rate 39

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks 41

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Characteristics 42

Golden Settings 42

Master-to-Slave Communications 42

Slave-to-Master Communications 42

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start 42

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Tool Suite) 42

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface) 44

Point-to-MultiPoint Operation LEDs 45

Overlapping MultiPoint Networks 46

Establishing Communication with Other Transceivers in a MultiPoint Network 46

Using the Network ID in MultiPoint Networks 46

Using the Call Book in MultiPoint Networks 47

Programming Point-to-MultiPoint Extended Call Book 48

Routing Communications Through the Network 48

Assigning Subnet ID Values 48

Setting Other MultiPoint Parameters 52

1 PPS Enable Delay 52

Diagnostics 54

DTR Connect 54

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 vi

Local Mode 54

Master Packet Repeat 55

Master Packet Repeat in MultiPoint Networks with Repeaters 56

Max Slave Retry 56

Radio ID 56

Radio Name 56

Repeater Frequency 57

Repeaters 57

Retry Odds 57

Slave/Repeater 58

Conserving Power 58

Low Power Mode 59

Reading Diagnostics in Tool Suite 61

Chapter 4: Configuring Point-to-Point Networks 63

Point-to-Point Network Quick Start 63

Point-to-Point Operation LEDs 67

Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks 68

Programming Point-To-Point Extended Call Book to Use Three or Four Repeaters 70

Chapter 5: Advanced Programming 71

Working with Parallel Repeaters 71

Setting Transceiver Passwords 73

Enabling and Setting Up AES Encryption 74

Encryption (Strength) 75

Encryption Key 75

Encryption Channel Key 77

Troubleshooting AES Setup 77

Low Baud Rates 78

Multi-Master Synch 78

Time Divisible Multiple Access (TDMA) 78

Chapter 6: Viewing Transceiver Statistics 79

Antenna Reflected Power 79

Master-Slave Distance 80

Noise Level 80

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 vii

Number of Disconnects 80

Radio Temperature 80

Rate % (Receive Percentage Rate) 80

Signal Level 81

Transmit Current 81

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting 83

Troubleshooting Flowchart 84

Troubleshooting 85

Chapter 8: Additional Transceiver Information 89

Approved Antennas 89

900MHz Directional Antennas 89

900MHz Omni-directional Antennas 90

Operational RS422 and RS485 Information 90

RS422 and RS485 Full Duplex Pinouts 90

RS485 Half Duplex Pin-Outs 91

RS232 Pin Assignments (DB-9) 91

RF Board Level Pinout 92

20-Pin Diagnostics Connector Pinout 93

Waterproof Enclosure Pinout 94

FGR2 Transceiver Specifications 95

900 MHz Factory Default Settings 98

FGR2 Board Level Mechanical Drawing 100

Appendix A: Firmware Updates 101

Index 105

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 viii

Preface

This document includes the following regarding the FreeWave FGR2:

l A basic introduction to the transceiver and how to determine the mode you want to run it in.

l Examples of how FreeWave transceivers can exist in a network with other transceivers.

l How to access the setup parameters available on the transceiver.

l Basic transceiver programming and setup information that applies to all network types.

l Considerations and quick starts for your network design, including charts of LED displays.

l Details about defining a MultiPoint network including the use of subnet IDs to route information

through the network.

l Steps to view statistics about a transceiver's performance.

l Pinouts and mechanical drawings.

For information about the firmware releases that apply to the transceiver, see Appendix A.

The contents of this document assumes that you have a basic understanding of Tool Suite and its components. For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual available on the

User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the Tool Suite software.

Important: The term "radio" and "transceiver" are used throughout this manual to refer

to the FGR2.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Preface

Printing this Document

This document is set to print double-sided with a front cover and a back cover. If you are viewing this document online with a PDF viewer, you may see pages that are intentionally left blank to accommodate the double-sided printing.

Contacting FreeWave Technical Support

For up-to-date troubleshooting information, check the Support page at www.FreeWave.com.

FreeWave provides technical support Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM Mountain Time (GMT -7). Call toll-free at 1.866.923.6168, within Colorado call 303.381.9200, or contact us through email at moreinfo@freewave.com.

Documentation Feedback

Send comments or questions about this document's content to techpubs@freewave.com. Include the title of the document or the document's part number and revision letter (found in the footer) in youremail.

Additional Information

This guide covers settings and configurations that apply to FreeWave spread spectrum transceivers. Some transceiver models have specific settings and configurations that apply to only that model. For information about a specific model or additional information about using the transceivers in your network, see the addendums and application notes listed below.

Cathodic Protection User Manual Addendum

FGR Radio Modem in Mirrored Bit Mode User Manual Addendum

Application note #5412: Synchronizing Collocated Masters (Multi-Master Sync Mode)

l Application note #5476: Mode 6

l Application note #5424: Using the FGR-115MB Radio with Schweitzer Engineering Labs Mirrored

Bits Communications

l Application note: #5437: DTR to CTS Line Alarm Feature

l Application note #5457: Local Mode

For information about installing transceivers, see the 900 MHz Wireless Transceiver Installation Guide.

All FreeWave documentation is available on the User Manual and System Tools CD and at www.FreeWave.com.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

FreeWave transceivers operate in virtually any environment where serial data communications occur. A pair of transceivers functions as a 9-pin null modem cable. If the FreeWave transceivers are to be used in an application where a null modem cable is used, such as communications between two computers, then the FreeWave transceivers can be connected directly. If FreeWave transceivers are to be used to replace a straight-through RS232 cable, then a null modem cable must be placed between the transceiver and the Data Communication Equipment (DCE) instrument to which it is connected.

Choosing a Location for the Transceiver

Placement of the FreeWave transceiver is likely to have a significant impact on its performance. The key to the overall robustness of the RF link is the height of the antenna. When using an external antenna, placement of that antenna is critical to a solid data link. Other antennas in close proximity are a potential source of interference; use the Radio Statistics to help identify potential problems. In general, FreeWave units with a higher antenna placement will have a better communications link. In practice, the transceiver should be placed away from computers, telephones, answering machines, and other similar devices. FreeWave

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

Technologies, Inc. offers directional and Omni directional antennas with cable lengths ranging from 3 to 200feet.

The Show Radio Statistics page is found in option 4 in the main terminal menu or in the Diagnostic information in Tool Suite. An adjustment as little as 2 feet in antenna placement may resolve some noise issues. In extreme cases, such as when interference is due to a Pager or Cellular Telephone tower, the band pass filters that FreeWave offers, may reduce this out-of-band noise.

Choosing Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint Operation

A Point-to-Point network is best suited when your network consists of one Master and one Slave transceiver. You can add up to four Repeaters to extend the reach of the network.

Important: Adding a Repeater to a network cuts the network throughput by 50%.

In a Point-to-MultiPoint network (also referred to as MultiPoint network) the Master transceiver is able to simultaneously communicate with numerous Slave transceivers. In its simplest form, a MultiPoint network functions with the Master broadcasting its messages to all Slave transceivers. If requested by the Master, the Slave transceivers respond to the Master when given data by the device connected to the data port. This response depends on your setup. You can extend the reach of the network with as many Repeaters as is required. Adding Repeaters to a network cuts the throughput by half.

It is important to note the differences between Point-to-Point and MultiPoint networks. In a Point-to-Point network all packets are acknowledged, whether sent from the Master to the Slave or from the Slave to the Master. In a MultiPoint network, you determine the number of times outbound packets from the Master or Repeater to the Slave or other Repeaters are sent. The receiving transceiver, Slave or Repeater, accepts the first packet received that passes the 32 bit CRC. However, the packet is not acknowledged. On the return trip to the Master, all packets sent are acknowledged or retransmitted until they are acknowledged. Therefore, the return link in a MultiPoint network is generally very robust.

Traditionally, a MultiPoint network is used in applications where data is collected from many instruments and reported back to one central site. The architecture of such a network is different from Point-to-Point applications. The following parameters influence the number of transceivers that can exist in a MultiPoint network:

1. Data block size. The longer the data blocks, the fewer number of deployed Slave transceivers can exist in the network.

2. Baud rate. The data rate between the transceiver and the device to which it is connected could limit the amount of data and the number of transceivers that can exist in a network

3. The amount of contention between Slave transceivers. Polled Slave transceivers versus timed Slave transceivers.

4. Repeater Use. Using the Repeater setting in a Point-to-Point or MultiPoint network decreases overall network capacity by 50%.

For example, if the network polls once a day to retrieve sparse data, several hundred Slave transceivers could be configured to a single Master. However, if each Slave transmits larger amounts of data or data more

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

frequently, fewer Slave transceivers can link to the Master while receiving the same network performance. When larger amounts of data are sent more frequently, the overall network bandwidth is closer to capacity with fewerSlave transceivers.

Data Communication Link Examples

FreeWave transceivers' versatility allows data links to be established using a variety of different configurations.

The example below shows the most common and straight forward link; a Master communicating to a Slave in a Point-to-Point link.

The example below shows how a link using a Repeater. The Repeater may be located on a hilltop or other elevated structure enhancing the link from the Master to the Slave.In this configuration, it may be desirable to use an external Omni directional antenna at the Repeater.A Yagi antenna may be used at both the Master and Slave transceivers.

Adding a Repeater to a network cuts the network throughput by 50%.

The example below shows a link with two Repeaters between the Master and Slave. With two Repeaters there is more flexibility in getting around obstacles and greater total range is possible. Again, it may be desirable to use external Omni-directional antennas with the Repeaters, and attaching a Yagi antenna to the Master and Slave transceiver to increase the range of the link.

When two Repeaters are used no further degradation in the RF throughput of the link is experienced.

The example below shows a configuration where a Master transceiver routinely calls a number of Slave transceivers at different times. The Master transceiver is communicating with a transceiver designated as a Slave/Repeater that is connected to a remote device. Since this device is placed in an elevated location, the transceiver may also be used as a Repeater when it is not used as a Slave. At any time the Master may call any of the Slave transceivers, establish a connection, and send and receive data.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

The next example illustrates a standard Point-to-Multipoint network. From the Master, any data is broadcast to all three Slave transceivers, one of which receives it through a Multipoint Repeater. The data is in turn sent out of the serial port of each of the three Slave transceivers. The end device should be configured to interpret the serial message and act on it if necessary.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

The last example is a Point-to-Multipoint network that uses one of the sites as a Slave/Repeater. This network functions in the same manner as a standard Multipoint network with Repeaters. However, the number of transceivers may be reduced with the use of the Multipoint Slave/Repeater feature.

Finding the Product Serial Number

Each FreeWave transceiver is assigned a unique serial number. If you need to contact FreeWave Technical Support, you will be asked for the serial number on the transceiver you are calling about.

The serial number is three digits, followed by a hyphen and four digits, for example 111-1111, and is printed on the FreeWave label on the transceiver. The example below is for a GXM model; however, the serial number information will be in the same location on different models.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

On transceivers that are not in an enclosure, you can also find the serial number printed on a label on the back (the flat, smooth side) of the transceiver. This label is in larger print.

Powering the Transceiver

To provide power to the transceiver, connect it to a positive power supply with +6.0 to +30.0 VDC, typically +12.0VDC.

Important: FGR2 transceivers are UL approved for use between +6.0 to +30.0 VDC.

However, for guaranteed performance, FreeWave recommends using between +7.5 to +30.0 VDC to power the transceiver.

Using a dedicated power supply line is preferred. The power supply you use must provide more current than the amount of current drain listed in the specifications for the product and voltage you are using. For example, if you are using +12.0 VDC, the power supply must provide above the drain that is required for transmit as listed in the specifications.

Warning! If the power supply is above approximately +18.0 to +20.0VDC, use a 1ohm resistor inline with B+ input to the transceiver. For more information about pinouts, see "RF Board Level Pinout" on page92

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

If the power supply line runs outside the enclosure, use electrostatic discharge (ESD) protectors to protect the transceiver from electric shock, and transient voltage suppressors (TVS) to protect from an over-voltage situation. Using both helps enhances reliable operation and can be purchased at most electronic supply stores.

Configuration Tool Options

Note: The terms modem and transceiver are used interchangeably in this document

and in the text within the setup tools. While the words have different meanings, the two terms should be treated as one and the same when referring to FreeWave products.

When the transceiver is in Setup mode, you can use the following setup tools to configure the settings on the transceiver:

l Tool Suite - Tool Suite is the newest configuration software and replaces EZConfig, and is the

recommended method for programming your transceivers.

It provides a group of tools for configuring the devices in your network and for monitoring your network's performance. Using the Configuration application within Tool Suite, you can program changes to your transceiver's settings.Tool Suite is available on the User Manual and SystemTools CD and is also available for download from www.FreeWave.com.

For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual available on the User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the Tool Suite software.

l Terminal Emulator - A terminal emulator program, such as HyperTerminal or Tera Term, offers

many of the same configuration options that are available in the Configuration application in Tool Suite. Terminal emulators vary in cost, and several are downloadable free of charge. If you run versions of the Windows operating system prior to Windows 7, HyperTerminal is included in the operating system installation. However, if you are running Windows 7 or newer, HyperTerminal is no longer available.

You can use the terminal emulator program of your choice to program the transceiver. The Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite provides the same interface that is available using a terminal emulator.

You can also still use EZConfig to program your older transceiver models; however, Tool Suite is the recommended programming option. Newer transceiver models and newer firmware versions are not available in EZConfig.

Tool Suite and Terminal Emulators

If you are using a terminal emulator, the tabs for a device in Tool Suite mirror the Setup main menu selections. For example, option 0 from the Setup main menu in the terminal menu setup is Set Operation Mode. The corresponding configuration tab for the device in Tool Suite is (0) Operation Mode.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

You can also use the Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite to use and view the terminal menus. It displays the same menus and provides the same programming settings as you see using a terminal emulator.

Throughout this document, if the setup procedure in the terminal emulator is different than the procedure in Tool Suite, the terminal instructions are also included.

Transceiver Setup Mode

To read the current settings from or to program a transceiver, the transceiver must be in Setup mode. When a

transceiver is in Setup mode, all three LEDs display solid green . See the sections below for details

about how to access the transceiver's Setup mode using Tool Suite or the terminal interface.

Note: OEM boards may also enter Setup when Pin 2 on a 10-pin connector or Pin 8 on

a 24-pin connector is grounded, or using a break command. For more information about the break command, see "Use Break to Access Setup" on page25.

The Setup Port parameter in the Baud Rate tab determines whether the main data port or the diagnostics port is used to access the setup parameters for the transceiver. For more information, see "Setup Port" on page23.

Using the Setup Mode Timeout parameter in the Operation Mode tab, you can set the transceiver to exit Setup Mode automatically. When the setting is enabled, if the transceiver has not received any menu selections or programming information within 5 seconds, it exits Setup and resumes its previous mode.

For Setup mode troubleshooting information, see "Troubleshooting " on page83.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Using Tool Suite to Connect to and Program Transceivers

To read and program a transceiver using ToolSuite, you need to connect the transceiver to a computer that runs the Tool Suite software. You can also use Tool Suite to set up a template version of a transceiver. Templates include settings that apply to more than one transceiver in your network. For more information about using templates, see the Tool Suite User Manual available from the File >Help menu within the application.

1. Connect a serial or diagnostic cable between the computer or laptop and the transceiver.

Using a diagnostic cable and the diagnostic port is recommended.

2. Connect the power supply to the transceiver and the power source and turn on the transceiver.

3. With the transceiver connected to the computer inToolSuite, click Configuration in the Application pane to display the Configuration application.

4. Ensure the correct port is selected in the Com Port field in the Configuration ribbon.

5. Place the transceiver in Setup mode by pressing the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave transceiver.

If you are connected to the diagnostics port, the transceiver changes to Setup mode automatically when you click Read Radio in Tool Suite.

To place a board-level transceiver into Setup mode:

l Short Pins 2 and 4 (Brown to Black) on the 10-pin header next to the LEDs.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

l If using a data cable (FreeWave part number: ASC3610DB or ASC3610DJ), press the Setup

button on the data cable.

If you are using the SetupTerminal application or a terminal emulator and using the gray ribbon diagnostic cable (part number: AC2009DC), or the black diagnostic cable (part number: ASC0409DC), the transceiver changes to Setup mode automatically when you click Read Radio in Tool Suite.

All three LEDs on the transceiver light green and stay green as long as the transceiver is

in Setup mode.

6. Click Read Radio in the Configuration ribbon to read the transceiver's current settings.

7. Make the necessary parameter changes and do one of the following to send the changes to the transceiver:

l To send only the parameters you have changed, within the Configuration application in the

Network Title ribbon, click Quick.This option is only available if you clicked Read Radio and are not sending parameter settings from a template to the transceiver.

l To send all the settings for all parameters, within the Configuration application in the Network

Title ribbon, click All.

l To set a device back to its factory default settings, within the Configuration application in the

Network Title ribbon, click Default.

For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual available on the User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the Tool Suite software.

Accessing the Setup Menu Using a Terminal Emulator

Use a terminal emulator of your choice to access the Setup menu. For any terminal emulator application, plug the serial cable into a COM port on the transceiver, open a session, and ensure that the port settings are set to the following for a proper connection to the transceiver:

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Port Setting Select

Bits per second 19200

Data Bits 8

Parity None

StopBits 1

Flow Control None

The following instructions describe how to access the transceiver's Setup menu using the Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite. Setup Terminal contains the port settings above, by default. For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual available on the User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the Tool Suite software.

1. Plug a serial cable into the COM 1 port on the transceiver, connect the cable to a COM port on the computer running Tool Suite, and connect the transceiver to a power source.

2. OpenToolSuite and select Setup Terminal in the Applications pane.

3. From the drop-down list at the top left of the window, select the COM port on the computer to which the transceiver is connected.

4. Click Connect.

5. To connect Setup Terminal to the transceiver, press the Setup button on the back of the FreeWave transceiver. If connected to the diagnostics port, type U (Capital ‘U’) to invoke the Setup menu.

To display the Setup menu in board-level transceivers:

l Short pins 2 & 4 (Brown to Black) on the 10 pin header next to the LEDs.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

l If you are using a data cable (P/N ASC3610DB or ASC3610DJ), press the Setup button. If

using the gray ribbon diagnostic cable (P/N AC2009DC), or the black diagnostic cable (P/N ASC0409DC), press Shift-U (capital U) to invoke the Setup menu.

When Setup is invoked, the FreeWave Setup Main Menu displays in the HyperTerminal dialog

box. All three LEDs on the transceiver light green and stay green as long as the

transceiver is in Setup mode.

As you navigate through the Setup menu and make changes to the parameters, the parameters are sent to the transceiver immediately.

Connecting and Disconnecting from HyperTerminal

The HyperTerminal dialog box displays several icons in the toolbar. To reconnect to HyperTerminal, you need

to disconnect your current session. Click the Disconnect icon, and then click the Call icon to

reconnect. If the settings have not been saved they must be re-selected when HyperTerminal reconnects to the transceiver.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Troubleshooting HyperTerminal

The following are some common issues encountered while using HyperTerminal as the terminal emulator. The steps to resolve the issue are specific to the HyperTerminal interface, however, you can use similar steps when troubleshooting other terminal emulators.

Important: When a change is made to the HyperTerminal settings in an open terminal

session, the connection must be disconnected then reconnected before the settings take effect.

Nothing displays on the screen after placing the transceiver into Setup mode.

This error usually indicates one of two things; either the wrong COM port is selected or a null modem cable is being used. Follow the steps below to change the COM port.

1. Click the Disconnect icon.

2. From the File menu, select Properties.

3. Click the Connect To tab and verify that the correct COM port is selected.

4. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

5. Click the Call icon.

6. Return the transceiver to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen displays.

In addition, if the transceiver has been previously configured, you could be using the wrong port to access the Setup menu. For more information, see "Setup Port" on page23.Try connecting to the other port.

Unrecognizable characters displays on the screen after placing the transceiver into Setup mode.

Unrecognizable characters usually indicates a Baud Rate problem. Follow the steps below to change the Baud Rate. The problem may also be that the transceiver under test is a TTL version or has been set to RS485 and not RS232. If the transceiver is TTL or in RS485 mode, ensure that you are connected through the Diagnostic port. Gibberish before the Setup button is pressed indicates Diagnostics is enabled in a Master.

1. Click the Disconnect icon.

2. From the File menu, select Properties.

3. Click Configure, change the following and click OK:

l Baud Rate to 19200

l Data Bits to 8

l Parity to None

l Stop Bits to 1

l Flow Control to 1

4. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

5. Click the Call icon.

6. Return the transceiver to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen displays.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 1: Introduction

The Setup menu displays on the screen, but nothing happens when keys on the keyboard are pressed.

This error usually indicates flow control is turned on in a three-wire connection (Rx, Tx, and Gnd). Follow the steps below if the connection uses a three-wire connection.

1. Click the Disconnect icon.

2. From the File menu, select Properties.

3. Click Configure, change the Flow Control to None, and click OK.

4. Click OK to close the Properties dialog box.

5. Click the Call icon.

6. Return the transceiver to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen displays.

A connection exists, the terminal emulator is receiving data, and some data is correct, but the remaining data is in unrecognizable characters.

This error usually indicates a parity mismatch. To resolve this issue, ensure that the parity of the transceiver and the parity of HyperTerminal are set the same. HyperTerminal’s parity settings are under the Properties menu. The FreeWave transceiver parity is found under the Baud Rate menu in the Setup menu.

1. Within HyperTerminal, click the Disconnect icon.

2. From the File menu, select Properties.

3. Click Configure, change the Parity to None, and click OK.

4. Click OK button to close the Properties dialog box.

5. Click the Call icon.

6. Return the transceiver to Setup mode. The Setup menu screen displays.

Upgrading Transceivers to the Latest Firmware

If Tool Suite is connected to a transceiver, and a new version of the firmware is available for that transceiver model, an indication displays within the Configuration application's Device Information tab. You can use Tool Suite to upgrade firmware on a serial transceiver that is connected directly to the computer using the diagnostic cable. You cannot complete an over-the-air upgrade using Tool Suite.

Note: If you are using a USB-to-serial converter cable, a firmware upgrade can take a

long time to complete. FreeWave recommends using USB-to-serial cables that include the FTDI Chip Set to shorten the upgrade time. This inclusion is listed on the cable's packaging.

For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual available on the User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the Tool Suite software.

Use the steps below to upgrade a transceiver to the latest firmware:

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

1. With the transceiver connected to your computer through the COM port, open Tool Suite and click Configuration in the Applications pane to display the Configuration application.

2. Click Upgrade Radio in the Firmware section of the Configuration ribbon.

3. Click Yes at the prompt to proceed or No to cancel without installing the new firmware.

Tool Suite identifies and displays the firmware version that is loaded on the connected device and displays the latest version of firmware available for that model.

4. Click Yes to proceed with the upgrade, or No to exit.

The system displays the progress of the firmware upgrade. After the firmware upgrade is complete, a message displays that the firmware upgrade was successful.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 16

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver

Programming and Setup

As you set up your network, whether it be a Point-to-MultiPoint network or a Point-to-Point network, the process for setting up and programming a transceiver is the same. This chapter describes the following aspects of programming and setting up a transceiver:

l Setting the transceiver's role in the network and the network type. .

l Entering parameters that establish communication with the instrument or computer to which the

transceiver is connected.

l Establishing communication with other transceivers in the network.

l Setting RF transmission characteristics.

Setting the Transceiver's Role in the Network and the Network Type

Networks consist of a Master transceiver and any number of other components including Repeaters, Slave transceivers, and transceiver's that act as both a Slave and a Repeater. The first parameter to set in a transceiver is its Operation Mode or Modem Mode. The mode tells the transceiver what network type it is in (Point-to-Point or Point-to-MultiPoint) and what role it plays, Master, Slave, or Repeater, in that network.

Note: The network type must match for all transceivers in a network. For example, if

you are configuring a Point-to-MultiPoint network, ensure the Modem Mode selection for transceivers in the network starts with Point-to-MultiPoint.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

In a Point-to-Point configuration, Master or Slave mode may be used on either end of the link without performance degradation. When setting up the transceiver, remember that the settings on the Master control a number of parameters. Therefore, deploying the Master on the communications end where it is easier to access is advised, but not necessary.

Set the Modem Mode in the Operation Mode tab, using the Modem Mode field. These settings are available in the Operation Mode menu in the terminal interface. Select from the following options:

Operation Mode Description

Point-to-Point Master (0)

This mode designates the transceiver as the Master in Point-toPoint mode. The Master may call any or all Slaves designated in its Call Book.

In Point-to-Point mode the Master determines the setting used for most of the transmission characteristics, regardless of the settings in the Slave and/or Repeaters. The settings not determined by the Master are:

l Transmit Power

l Slave Security

l Retry Time Out

l Hop Table settings

A quick method of identifying a Master is to power the transceiver. Prior to establishing a link with a Slave, all three of the LEDs on the Master are solid red.

Point-to-Point Slave (1) This mode designates the transceiver as a Slave in Point-to-Point

mode. The Slave communicates with any Master in its Call Book— either directly or through up to four Repeaters.

When functioning as a Slave, the Entry to Call feature in the transceiver’s Call Book is not operational. Set the Slave Security parameter to 1 to bypass the Call Book in the Slave. For more information, see "Slave Security" on page37.

Point–to-MultiPoint Master (2)

This mode designates the transceiver as a Master in MultiPoint mode. This mode allows one Master transceiver to communicate simultaneously with numerous Slaves and Repeaters.

A Point-to-MultiPoint Master communicates only with other transceivers designated as Point-to-MultiPoint Slaves or Point-toMultiPoint Repeaters.

Point-to-MultiPoint Slave (3)

This mode designates the transceiver as a Slave in MultiPoint mode. This mode allows the Slave to communicate with a MultiPoint Master. The Slave may communicate with its Master through one or more Repeaters.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Operation Mode Description

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Point-to-Point Slave/Repeater (4)

Point-to-Point Repeater (5)

This mode designates the transceiver to act as either a Slave or Repeater—depending on the instructions from the Master. The transceiver cannot act as both a Slave and a Repeater at the same time. True Slave/Repeater functionality is only available in a MultiPoint mode.

Adding a Repeater to a network cuts the network throughput by 50%.

Note: Point-to-Point Slave/Repeaters have no security features. When a transceiver is designated a Point-to-Point Slave/Repeater, it allows any Master to use it as a Repeater.

FreeWave allows the use of up to four Repeaters in a Point-to-Point communications link, significantly extending the operating range. When designated as a Repeater, a transceiver behaves as a passthrough link. All settings for the Call Book, baud rates, and transmission characteristics are disabled. A Repeater connects with any Master that calls it. The Repeater must be set up properly in the Master's Call Book.

Adding a Repeater to a network cuts the network throughput by 50%.

Point-to-Point Slave/Master Switchable (6)

Point-to-MultiPoint Repeater (7)

Mode 6 allows the transceiver to be controlled entirely through software commands. A number of key parameters in the FreeWave user interface may be changed either directly with a program such as Windows Terminal or through the use of script files. Additionally, when the Point-to-Point Slave/Master Switchable option is selected and the transceiver is not calling a Slave, it functions as a Slave and accepts any appropriate calls from other transceivers.

For more information, see application note #5476, Mode 6.

This option allows the transceiver to operate as a Repeater in a MultiPoint network. You can have as many Repeaters as necessary in a MultiPoint network. If the Repeater is to act as a Slave/Repeater, also set the Slave Repeater parameter in the MultiPoint Parameters tab to Enabled.

Adding a Repeater to a network cuts the network throughput by 50%.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

Operation Mode Description

Mirrorbit Master (A) For information about Mirrored Bit Communication, see FreeWave

application note #5424, Using the FGR-115MB Radio with Schweitzer Engineering Labs Mirrored Bits Communications and

Mirrorbit Slave (B)

Ethernet Options (F) This menu is needed for Ethernet transceivers only. Although the

the FGR Radio Modem in Mirrored Bit Mode Addendum.

Mirrored Bit Communication is supported in firmware version 8.77 and later.

menu is included here, it is unrelated to this transceiver.

Establishing Communication with Instrumentation and Computers

The settings in the Baud Rate tab are the communications settings between the transceiver and the instrument or computer to which it is connected (transceiver serial port to the device). These settings are unique to each transceiver, and do not need to match across the network.

For example, a pair of transceivers may be used in an application to send data from remote process instrumentation to an engineer's computer. In this application, the baud rate for the transceiver on the instrumentation might be set to 9600, and the transceiver on the polling host might be set to 57,600.

Set the following parameters in the Baud Rate tab. These settings are available in the Baud Rate menu in the terminal interface, and apply to both Point-to-Point and Point-to-MultiPoint networks.

Baud Rate

Default Setting: 115200

Options: 600, 1200, 2400, 4800, 9600, 19200, 38400, 57600, 76800, 115200, 230400

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Set Baud Rate

Description: The communication rate between the transceiver's data port and the

instrument to which it is connected. This setting is independent from the baud rate for the other transceivers in the network. Set the baud rate to the highest level supported by the device to which it is connected. With a poor RF link, this may actually result in slower data communications.

With a Baud Rate setting of 38,400 or higher, FreeWave recommends that you use the Flow Control lines.

Note: The Setup port baud rate always defaults to 19,200 no matter how the data port Baud Rate is set. The only exception is Mode 6. For more information, see application note #5476, Mode 6.

Data Parity

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Default Setting: 0 (8, N, 1)

Options: See table below.

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Set Baud Rate > (A) Data Parity

Description: Six data word length and parity configurations are available for use with

FreeWave transceivers. The default setting is 8-None-1 and is the most commonly used serial communications protocol.

The following table describes each option:

Option Data Bits Parity Stop Bits

0 8 None 1

1 7 Even 1

2 7 Odd 1

3 8 None 2

4 8 Even 1

5 8 Odd 1

Flow Control

Default Setting: (0) None

Options: l (0) None - No flow control CTS is active and de-asserts when buffering

is 98% full. Can pass XON/XOFF data but does not use it in any way.

l (1) RTS - Uses RTS/CTS (Request to Send/Clear to Send) for flow

control..

l (2) DTR - Uses DTR/DSR (Data TerminalReady/Data Set Ready) for

flow control..

l (3) DOT - Half Duplex

Setup Terminal Menu: (2) Set Baud Rate > (F)FlowControl

Description: Specifies the hardware flow control for the data port on the transceiver.

Flow control is the process of managing the speed at which data is transmitted so as not to overwhelm the device receiving the transmission. FreeWave recommends using Flow Control if you are using a baud rate higher than 38,400.

Modbus RTU

Note: When using the transceiver in Modbus RTU mode, the Master Packet Repeat

parameter setting in the MultiPoint Parameters tab must match in every

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

transceiver. The Modbus RTU mode must be set to 1 when transceivers are configured in RS485 or RS422 mode.

Default Setting: 0 (Disabled)

Options: 0 to 9

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Set Baud Rate > (B) ModbusRTU

Description: A setting other than 0 in this parameter causes the transceiver to wait for an

amount of time “gathering” data before sending out the RF link.

l 0 (Disabled) - The transceiver sends data out through its RF link as

soon as the data is received into the serial port. This is the default setting.

l 1 - The transceiver waits for a number of slots equal to two times the

Master Packet Repeat setting before sending the received data out the RF link. For example, if the Master Packet Repeat parameter is set to3, the transceiver waits for 6 slots, gathering data up the whole time. At the end of the 6 slots, the transceiver sends all received data in one “burst.” This is the appropriate setting for most Modbus RTU devices.

l 2 or higher - The transceiver waits for a number of slots calculated

using the following formula:

(Modbus RTU setting + Master Packet Repeat setting + 1) x 2

For example, in a transceiver where the Modbus RTU setting is 2 and the Master Packet Repeat setting is 3, the transceiver waits for (2+3+1)x2, or 12 slots.

Serial Interface

Default Setting: (0) RS232

Options: l (0) RS232 - Also used for TTL.

l (1) RS422/Full Duplex RS485 - Modbus RTU mode must be enabled

and Turn Off Delay set to at least 4.

l (2) Half Duplex RS485 - Modbus RTU mode must be enabled and

Turn Off Delay set to at least 4.

l (3) DOT - DOT causes the CD line to indicate when data is transmitted

on the serial port from the transceiver. When the transceiver is not sending data to the serial port, CD is de-asserted. When the transceiver is sending data to the serial port, CD is asserted. The CD line no longer has any link state functionality. Turn Off Delay works as described in all transceivers. Turn On Delay works as described on any Slave or Slave/Repeater - it has no functionality on the Master.

If set to anything other than 0, the Setup Port parameter in the Baud Rate

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

tab must be set to Diagnostics Only.

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Set Baud Rate > (C) RS232/485

Description: Use this option to set the protocol of the data port for connection to an

external device. This setting must be 0 in TTL RF board products.

Setup Port

Important: Do not change this setting unless the correct programming cable is

available for the new setting.

Default Setting: (3) Both

The factory setting is based on the transceiver type. A setting of 2 is used with Ethernet products and Mirrored Bit products, a setting of 3 is used otherwise.

Options: l (1) MainOnly - Programming and reading a transceiver's setup

information is done through the data port.

l (2) Diagnostics Only - Programming and reading a transceiver's setup

information is done through the diagnostic port. If the Serial interface is set to anything other than RS232, then the Setup Port must be set to Diagnostics Only.

l (3) Both - Programming and reading a transceiver's setup information is

done through either the data port or the diagnostic port .

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Set Baud Rate > (D) Setup Port

Description: Determines which port on the transceiver, Main or Diagnostics, is used to

access the parameter settings in Tool Suite or enter the Setup main menu in the terminal interface.

The main data port is the RS232 port. The diagnostics port is a 3-pin connector on the rear panel of the OEM “Mini” series transceivers. The diagnostic cable for this port (ASC0409DC) is available from FreeWave. The OEM modules use a 2-row, 2 mm female connector. The diagnostic cable for this port (ASC2009DC) is available from FreeWave.

Turn Off Delay

Default Setting: 0

Options: Any number between 0 and 9 ms.

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Edit Baud Rate > Turn Off Delay

Description: Specifies the time after the end of transmission of a character to the RS485

bus that the transceiver stops driving the bus and releases the bus to other

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

devices. The units are ¼ of a character with a range of 0-9. An entry of 4 means a delay equivalent to the duration of a full character. The default is zero delay.

For data rates of 1200 bits/S or slower, avoid setting the Turn Off Delay parameter higher than 4. At those rates the functionality of the microprocessor changes so that a Turn Off Delay of 5 has the same effect as if set to 1, and a setting of 6 has the same effect as 2, and so on.

Note: Turn Off Delay must be set to a value of at least 4 for RS422 and RS485 operation.

Turn On Delay

Default Setting: 0 ms

Options: Any number between 0 and 9 ms

Setup Terminal Menu: (1) Set Baud Rate > (E)Turn On Delay

Description: Sets the delay between when the line drivers are turned on and when the

data leaves the data port.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Use Break to Access Setup

Note: This setting is typically only used in OEM scenarios.

Default Setting: Disabled

Options: l (0) - Disabled - The break command is disabled.

l (1) - Enabled - The Setup menu is sent at 19,200 bps.

l (2) - Enabled - The Setup menu is sent at the transceiver's current baud

rate.This setting is only available through the terminal interface.

Setup Terminal Menu: (2) Set Baud Rate > (G)Use break to access setup

Description: Enables a break command to put the transceiver into Setup mode over the

data port. To send a break character the end device must hold the Tx data line in the space voltage level for longer than 1 character time. If a character is defined as having 1 start bit, 8 data bits, and 1 stop bit, the character time is 10 bits, thus the transmit data line must be held in the space voltage level for a period of time longer than 10 bits.

Establishing Communication with Other Transceivers in the Network

For the transceivers in your network to communicate successfully, you need to tell the transceivers what other devices are available for them to communicate with. Use one of the following options:

l Network ID - Used in MultiPoint Networks, the Network ID parameter is available in the

MultiPoint Parameters tab. Each transceiver in a single network should be assigned the same ID. A Slave links with the first Master or Repeater that it hears that has a matching Network ID.

Because the Network ID does not use serial numbers, MultiPoint Masters and Repeaters may be replaced without reprogramming all of the Slaves in the network. The Network ID function should be used in conjunction with the Subnet ID feature (if necessary) to route data through the transceiver network.

Without having the serial numbers in the Call Book, Slaves may establish communications with different Masters that match the transceiver's golden settings described below, though not at the same time. This is very useful in mobile MultiPoint applications.

For information about setting the Network ID parameter in a MultiPoint Network, see "Using the Network ID in MultiPoint Networks" on page46.

l Call Book - The Call Book is required in Point-to-Point networks. The Call Book stores serial

numbers of other transceivers in the network that are allowed to talk to a transceiver. Using the Call Book offers both security and flexibility in determining how FreeWave transceivers communicate with each other.

Important: While the Call Book is an option in Point-to-MultiPoint networks,

FreeWave strongly recommends using the Network ID feature in most applications. If a large MultiPoint network is implemented using the Call Book and you want to add a

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

transceiver to the network, or need to replace a transceiver, you must physically reprogram each transceiver in the network and enter the new serial number in the transceiver's Call Book. This can be a time consuming process and can cause a delay in getting your network back up and running.

For more information about defining the Call Book in a Point-to-Point network, see "Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks" on page68. For more information about defining the Call Book in a Point-to-MultiPoint network, see "Using the Call Book in MultiPoint Networks" on page47.

"Golden Settings"

A standard network requires that the following parameters are set the same on all transceivers in the network. FreeWave refers to these as the "golden" settings.

l Frequency Key

l Min Packet Size

l Max Packet Size

l Network ID

l RF Data Rate

Transceivers that contain the same settings in all these parameters can communicate with each other. If you choose to use the Call Book instead of the Network ID, or are running a Point-to-Point network, the appropriate serial numbers must be listed in the Call Book for each transceiver. If you are working with parallel Repeaters, the Frequency Key setting may differ.

Setting RF Transmission Characteristics

The Transmission Characteristics parameters allow you to modify settings that determine how data is sent between transceivers in your network. Many of these parameters must be maintained throughout the network for proper functionality.

Important: The parameters in the TransmissionCharacteristics tab are only for the

advanced user who has a good understanding of the principles of RF transmission.

Several settings on a Slave or Repeater transceiver come from the Master, and are therefore set only at the Master. Settings that you must set on each Slave or Repeater include the following:

l Transmit Power

l Slave Security

l Retry Time Out

l Hop Table Size

l Hop Table Version

l Hop Table Offset

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

You can leave most parameters in the Transmission Characteristics tab set to their default settings when completing basic setup. However, you must set the following parameters, and they must be the same for all transceivers in your network:

l Frequency Key

l Hop Table properties (Size, Version, and Offset)

l Max Packet Size

l Min Packet Size

l RF Data Rate

Set the following parameters in the Transmission Characteristics tab. These settings are available in the Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics menu in the terminal interface, and apply to both Point-to-Point and Pointto-MultiPoint networks, unless indicated otherwise in their description.

Frequency Key (Golden Setting)

Note: In MultiPoint networks, the Frequency Key must be set identically in all

transceivers. Any transceiver with a Frequency Key different from the Master transceiver will not establish a link. There are exceptions if the network contains parallel repeaters. For more information, see "Working with Parallel Repeaters" on page71. In Point-to-Point networks the Master transceiver's settings take precedence over the Slave transceiver.

Default Setting: 5

Options: 0 to 9 and A to E

Note: Do not use Frequency Key E with the 915 to 928 MHz, 916 to 920 MHz, and 921 to 928 MHz hop tables.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (0) FreqKey

Description: Fifteen choices are available for the Frequency Key (0 to 9 and A to E)

setting, representing 15 different pseudo-random hop patterns. Hopping patterns minimize the interference with other FreeWave transceivers operating in the area.

For example, if 10 pairs of FreeWave transceivers are operating on different networks in close proximity, setting a different Frequency Key value reduces the chance that the transceivers hop to the same frequency at the same time. If two networks were to hop to the same frequency, the next hop would be to a different frequency for both networks.

You can gain additional network separation by adjusting the Max Packet Size and Minimum Packet Size parameters.

Use the Hop Table Version, Hop Table Size, and Frequency Zone parameters to define more network differentiation by way of limiting the number and location of frequencies the transceivers may hop on in the 902

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

to 928 MHz band.

Note: 900 MHz transceivers do not use the Hop Frequency Offset setting.

Frequency Zones

Note: In MultiPoint networks, this setting only needs to be set on the Master. In a

Point-to-Point network, the Master and the Slave must have matching Frequency Zone settings.

Default Setting: All zones selected

Options: See below.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (0) FreqKey > F >

(3) Frequency Zone

Description: Divides the available band (902 MHz to 928 MHz) into smaller bands, in

this case 16 smaller bands each consisting of 5, 7, and 8 frequency channels depending on the frequency zone. These 16 zones are stored in a binary word, which is made up of 16 bits numbered 0 to 15. Displayed in LSB to MSB, these bits directly represent the zones that the transceiver operates on from lowest frequency to highest.

A value of 1 in the bit sequence instructs the transceiver to operate within the represented band. A value of 0 bypasses the represented band. This feature should only be used with the standard hop table.

Note: You must set the Hop Table Version to 902 to 928 MHz when using frequency zones. If you select another Hop Table Version, the limitations of that selection would be applied to the hopping pattern as well. For example, if you select 916 to 920 as the Hop Table Version, only the middle of the band would be available in the pattern. Then, if frequency zones 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were set to 0, no allowable frequencies would be available for the transceiver to use.

Warning! FCC regulations require a minimum of 50 separate channels be used within a hop pattern. Use the table below to determine the number of frequency zones required for legal FCC use.

EXAMPLE:

1. Using zones 1 to 7 is equal to 49 channels; this is not legal according to the FCC.

2. Using zones 0 to 6 is equal to 50 channels; this is legal according to the FCC.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Binary Zone Number

(LSB First) Beginning Freq. (MHz) Ending Freq. (MHz) Number Of Channels

1 902.2464 903.8592 8

2 904.0896 905.4720 7

3 905.7024 907.0848 7

4 907.3152 908.6976 7

5 908.9280 910.3104 7

6 910.5408 911.9232 7

7 912.1536 913.5360 7

8 913.7664 915.1488 7

9 915.3792 916.7616 7

10 916.9920 918.6048 8

11 918.8352 920.2176 7

12 920.4480 921.8304 7

13 922.0608 923.4432 7

14 923.6736 925.0560 7

15 925.2864 926.6688 7

16 926.8992 927.8208 5

To enable Frequency Zones in Tool Suite:

1. In the Tool Suite Configuration application, select the device to program and click the (3) Transmission Characteristics tab.

2. Click Frequency Zones to display the frequency zones available.

3. Select the check boxes next to the Frequency Zones to enable.

To enable Frequency Zones in the terminal interface:

1. From the main Setup menu, select 3 Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics.

2. Select option 0 FreqKey.

3. Select F for More.

4. Select option 3 Frequency Zone.

5. Enter 1 to enable a frequency zone and 0 to disable a frequency zone. Frequency Zone entries begin with 1 (LSB) and continue through 16 (MSB).

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

High Noise

Default Setting: (0) Disabled

Options: (0) Disabled

(1) Enabled

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit RadioTransmissionCharacteristics > (A)High Noise

Description: Use to determine if out-of-band interference is affecting a radio link. A

setting of 1 provides a reduction of gain in the front end circuit thereby decreasing the effect of any out-of- band noise. The results are seen as a lower signal value and a much lower noise value (as found in Radio Statistics or Diagnostics). If the noise is not reduced by a greater amount than the signal, the interference is most likely an in-band issue.

When a noise problem is shown to be helped using the High Noise option, chances are that the noise may be further decreased using a bandpass filter available from FreeWave.

Hop Table Size

Note: All transceivers in a network must have identical Hop Table settings.

Default Setting: 112

Options: 50 to 112

50 to 111

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (0) FreqKey > F >

(1) Hop Table Size

Description: Defines how many separate channels a given network uses.

FreeWave recommends using Frequency Zones instead of the Hop Table

Size setting.

Warning! FCC regulations require a minimum of 50 separate frequency channels be

used within a hop pattern. Using the Standard hop table, a minimum of 5 frequency zones are required for legal FCC use.

Hop Table Version

Note: All transceivers in a network must have identical Hop Table settings to function

properly.

Default Setting: 902-928 MHz

Options: l 902-928 MHz, full band

l 915-928 MHz

l 903.744-926.3232 MHz

l 916-920 MHz

l 921-928 MHz

l 902-911_919-928 MHz, uses 902-928 MHz with center frequencies of

911-919MHz notched out

l 902-915 MHz

If using a Hop Table Version setting of 915-928MHz, 916-920MHz, or 921-928MHz, do not set the Frequency Key parameter setting to E (916-

920MHz).

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (0) FreqKey > F >

(0) Hop Table Version

Description: Determines the section of the 900 MHz band the transceiver uses.

In the terminal interface, enter the number that corresponds to the frequency band:

Number

to Enter Frequency Band

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

0 902-928 MHz, uses the full band

1 915-928 MHz

2 903.744-926.3232 MHz

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

Number

to Enter Frequency Band

3 916-920 MHz

4 921-928 MHz

5 902-911_919.928 MHz, uses 902-928MHz with center

frequencies of 911-919 MHz notched out

6 902-915 MHz

Max Packet Size and Min Packet Size (Golden Setting)

Note: In MultiPoint networks, the Max Packet Size and Min Packet Size must be set

identically in all transceivers. In Point-to-Point networks the Master transceiver's settings take precedence over the Slave transceiver.

Default Setting: Max Packet Size = 8

Min Packet Size = 9

Options: Any number between 0 and 9.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit TransmissionCharacteristics > (1) Max Packet Size and (2) Min

Packet Size

Description: The Max and Min Packet Size parameter settings and the RF Data Rate

parameter determine the number of bytes in the packets. Throughput can be enhanced when packet sizes are optimized. In Point-to-Point mode, the Max and Min Packet Size settings do not have material impact on throughput unless 115.2 kbps is desired. However, this may have an impact on latency. For example, if small amounts of data are sent and large packet sizes are selected, a certain amount of time “wasted” between each packet would be seen.

The following table defines the minimum packet size in bytes by charting the Min Packet Size parameter setting versus the RF Data Rate parameter setting. Using the default settings, the actual minimum packet size, in bytes, is44.

Minimum Packet Size Definition

Minimum Setting

Min Packet Size

RF Data Rate = 2

(High, 153.6 kbps)

Min Packet Size

RF Data Rate = 3

(Normal 115.2 kbps)

0 15 8

1 21 12

2 26 16

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Minimum Packet Size Definition

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Minimum Setting

Min Packet Size

RF Data Rate = 2

(High, 153.6 kbps)

Min Packet Size

RF Data Rate = 3

(Normal 115.2 kbps)

3 31 20

4 37 24

5 42 28

6 47 32

7 53 36

8 58 40

9 63 44

The following table defines the maximum packet size in bytes by charting the Min Packet Size parameter setting versus the Max Packet Size parameter setting where the RF Data Rate is set to 2 (High).

Maximum Packet Size Definition with RFData Rate of 2 (High, 153.6 kbps)

Maximum Setting

Minimum Setting 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

0 15 37 58 79 101 122 143 165 186 207

1 21 42 63 85 106 127 149 170 191 213

2 26 47 69 90 111 133 154 175 197 218

3 31 53 74 95 117 138 159 181 202 223

4 37 58 79 101 122 143 165 186 207 229

5 42 63 85 106 127 149 170 191 213 234

6 47 69 90 111 133 154 175 197 218 239

7 53 74 95 117 138 159 181 202 223 245

8 58 79 101 122 143 165 186 207 229 250

9 63 85 106 127 149 170 191 213 234 255

The following table defines the maximum packet size in bytes by charting the Min Packet Size parameter setting versus the Max Packet Size parameter setting where the RF Data Rate is set to 3 (Normal). Using the default settings, the actual maximum packet size, in bytes, is 172.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

Maximum Packet Size Definition with RF Data Rate of 3 (Normal, 115.2 kbps)

Maximum Setting

Minimum Setting 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

0 8 24 40 56 72 88 104 120 136 152

1 12 28 44 60 76 92 108 124 140 156

2 16 32 48 64 80 96 112 128 144 160

3 20 36 52 68 84 100 116 132 148 164

4 24 40 56 72 88 104 120 136 152 168

5 28 44 60 76 92 108 124 140 156 172

6 32 48 64 80 96 112 128 144 160 176

7 36 52 68 84 100 116 132 148 164 180

8 40 56 72 88 104 120 136 152 168 184

9 44 60 76 92 108 124 140 156 172 188

Referencing the default settings, the Master transmits up to 172 bytes on every hop. If fewer than 172 bytes are transmitted, the balance is allocated to the Slave transceiver's transmission, plus the quantity in the Min Packet Size parameter setting.

For example, if a Master transmits 100 bytes, the Slave then has a total of 116 bytes available:

(72 (“leftover bytes”) + 44 (Min packet size) )

MCU Speed

Default Setting: (0) Normal

Options: l (0) Normal (low speed) - Reduces current consumption.

l (1) Fast (high speed) - Required for 230 KBaud and greater data port rate.

If the transceiver is AES enabled and you are using the encryption functionality, set this parameter to 3 using the terminal interface.The value is accepted even though it is not viewable as an option and applies only when using AES encryption. For more information about setting up AES encryption, see "Enabling and Setting Up AES Encryption" on page74.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit RadioTransmissionCharacteristics > (B) MCU Speed

Description: Controls the speed of the Micro Controller Unit (MCU) in the transceiver.

Remote LED

Default Setting: (0) Local Only

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Options: l (0) Local Only - Only the LEDs on the board are enabled.

l (1) Remote and Local - LEDs on the board and remote LEDs through

the diagnostic port are enabled.

l (2) Remote Only - LEDs on the board are disabled. Remote LEDs

through the diagnostic port are enabled.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (C)Remote LED

Description: If you are using a transceiver with the optional 20-pin connector, you can

use this option to connect remote LEDs through the diagnostics port.

This feature may be used to save power in MultiPoint Repeaters. By turning off the on-board LEDs (setting = 2) the current consumption is reduced. To reduce current consumption in Slave transceivers, use Low Power Mode (setting = 1). Low Power Mode does not work with MultiPoint Repeaters because Repeaters are constantly transmitting. Remote LED drives the Diagnostic port, which has a small amount of current draw.

When using remote LEDs, the center (TX) LED does not output a signal for a green LED when in Setup mode. The Green TX LED has no remote pinout.

Retry Time Out

Default Setting: 255

Options: Any number between 0 and 255 in MultiPoint networks.

Any number between 151 and 255 in Point-to-Point networks.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Transmission Characteristics > (8) RetryTime Out

Description: The Retry Time Out parameter in a Slave or Repeater sets the delay the

unit waits before dropping the connection to a Master or Repeater. The factory default is set at the maximum of 255. The maximum setting means that if 1packet in 255is sent successfully from the Master to the Slave or Repeater, the link is maintained. The minimum recommended setting is 8. This allows a Slave or Repeater to drop a connection if less than 1 in 8 consecutive packets is successfully received from the Master. The function in the Master is effectively the same. With a setting of 255, the Master allows a Slave or Repeater to stay connected as long as 1 packet in 255 is successfully received at the Master.

The Retry Time Out parameter is useful when a MultiPoint network has a roving Master or Slave. As the link gets weaker, a lower setting allows a poor link to break in search of a stronger one.

Note: Setting the Retry Time Out parameter to 20 in the MultiPoint Master is recommended in areas where several FreeWave networks exist. This

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

recommended setting allows Slaves and Repeaters to drop the connection if the link becomes too weak, while at the same time prevent errant disconnects due to interference from neighboring networks.

While intended primarily for MultiPoint networks, the Retry Time Out parameter may also be modified in Point-to-Point networks. However, the value in Point-to-Point mode should not be set to less than 151.

RF Data Rate (GoldenSetting)

Note: In MultiPoint networks, the RF Data Rate parameter must be set identically in

all transceivers. Any transceiver with an RF Data Rate setting different from the Master will not establish a link. In Point-to-Point networks the Master setting takes precedence over the Slave.

Default Setting: (3) Normal

Options: l (2) High - 153.6 kbps

l (3) Normal - 115.2 kbps

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Transmission Characteristics > (4)RF Data Rate

Description: FreeWave transceivers have two RF Data Rate settings; 2 (High) and 3

(Normal). RF Data Rate should not be confused with the serial port Baud Rate. Use setting 2 (RF Speed of 153.6 kbps) when the transceivers are close together and you need to optimize data throughput. Use setting 3 (RF Speed of 115.2 kbps) when the transceivers are farther away and a solid data link is preferred over data throughput.

RTS to CTS

Note: The RTS to CTS option is only available in RS232 mode. It is not

recommended to enable this feature when operating at baud rates above 38,400.

Default Setting: (0) Disabled

Options: l (0) Disabled

l (1) Enabled

l (2) Line Alarm

Setting 2 is described in detail in the application note #5437, DTR to CTS Line Alarm Feature.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Transmission Characteristics > (7) RTS to CTS

Description: Use this option to set the RTS line on the Master transceiver to control the

CTS line of the Slave. In MultiPoint networks, the Master RTS line controls all Slaves’ CTS lines. When enabled, the CTS line ceases to function as flow control.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

With RTS to CTS enabled, the Master senses the RTS line prior to all scheduled packet transmissions. If the state has changed, the Master then transmits a message to the Slave with the new status. This transmission occurs regardless of data being sent. If data is ready to be sent, the RTS status message is sent in addition to the data. In Point-to-Point mode, the Master continues sending the new status message until it receives an acknowledgment from the Slave. In MultiPoint mode, the Master repeats the message the number of times equal to the Master Packet Repeat value in the MultiPoint Parameters tab.

Master transmit times are completely asynchronous to the occurrence of any change of the RTS line; the latency time from RTS to CTS is variable. The Max and Min Packet Size parameters determine this duration. Setting both parameters to their maximum value of 9 produces a maximum latency time of approximately 21ms, given no Repeaters in the network. At the minimum settings for Max and Min Packet Size (0), the time is approximately 5.9ms. This latency can increase significantly if packets are lost between the Master and Slave. In Point-to-MultiPoint mode, no absolute guarantee is made that the state change is communicated to all Slaves. In MultiPoint networks with Repeaters present, the latency is cumulative for each serial Repeater.

Slave Security

Note: The Slave Security parameter has no effect in Point-to-MultiPoint networks

where the Network ID is used.

Default Setting: (0) On

Options: (0) On

For example, if the latency between the Master and the first Repeater is 15ms, and two serial Repeaters are present, the total latency is 45 ms. (M—R1 (15 ms) + R1—R2 (15 ms) + R2—S (15 ms) = 45ms)

Note: The RTS to CTS feature does not function in Point-to-Point networks that contain a Repeater. If this feature is needed in such network, the mode should be changed to Point-to-MultiPoint.

If DTR Connect in the MultiPoint Parameters tab is enabled and set to 2, the RTS to CTS feature does not work. If DTR Connect is enabled and set to 1, RTS to CTS mode takes precedence over the functionality of the CTS line on the Slave relating to the DTR Connect feature.

(1) Off

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit TransmissionCharacteristics > (6) Slave Security

Description: Slave Security allows Slave transceivers to accept transmissions from a

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

Master not included in the Call Book. The default setting of 0 (On) means only Masters in the Slave transceiver's Call Book may link to that Slave.

The Slave Security parameter may be disabled (setting of 1) allowing any Master to call the Slave.

The Slave Security parameter must be set to 1 when the unit is operating in Mode 6, Slave/Master Switchable or a Point-to-Point network where the Slave may need to accept calls from more than 10 different Masters. When the Slave Security parameter is set to 1, the transceiver accepts calls from any other FreeWave transceiver. Additional network security measures may be taken to prevent unauthorized access, such as changing default settings for Frequency Key, Hop Table, or Frequency Zones.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Transmit Power

Default Setting: 10

Options: Any number between 0 and 10

Setup Terminal Menu: (3)Edit Transmission Characteristics > (5) RFXmit Power

Description: Sets the output power of the transceiver in dBm. In FGR2 radios, a setting

of 10 is approximately 1 W of output power.

Note: When testing transceivers at your facility and they are in close proximity to one another, set the Transmit Power parameter to a low number. When you deploy transceivers to the field, raise the Transmit

Power number accordingly.

Important: The following table is for reference only. AllTransmit Power settings below

9 are approximate.

Power (in mW) for

Setting

FGR2 radios

Transmit Rate

Default Setting: (1) Normal

Options: (0) Diagnostics

0 5

1 10

2 35

3 80

4 140

5 230

6 330

7 480

8 600

9 800

10 1000

(1) Normal

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit TransmissionCharacteristics > (3) Xmit Rate

Description: FreeWave transceivers have two available Transmit Rate settings. The

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 2: Basic Transceiver Programming and Setup

setting for normal operation of the transceiver is 1. When set to 0, the transceivers transmit back and forth continuously regardless if they have any actual data. 0 should be used only as a diagnostic tool and not for normal operation. The strength of the signal may be gauged by the Clear to Send (CTS) LED. A solid red CTS LED indicates a strong signal; a blinking CTS LED indicates a weaker signal.

0 is useful to qualitatively gauge signal strength in Point-to-Point mode.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring

Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

When installing MultiPoint networks it is important to do some up front planning around the devices you are going to implement and the route your data is going to take back to the Master. A MultiPoint network can contain the following devices:

l Only one Master. All communications are from and to the Master.

l An unlimited number of Slave transceivers (remote sites).

l An unlimited number of Repeaters between any Slave and the Master.

l Serial Repeaters can be Slave transceivers and Repeaters at the same time.

This chapter builds on the settings described in the previous chapters and provides details about the following setup that applies specifically to a MultiPoint network:

l Point-to-MultiPoint network characteristics.

l Using the Network ID or the Call Book to establish which transceivers in the network can

communicate with each other.

l Using subnet IDs to route traffic through the network, back to the Master.

l Settings and recommendations for additional parameters that apply to a MultiPoint network.

l Conserving power in devices within the network.

l Running network diagnostics.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Characteristics

A Point-to-MultiPoint network has the following unique characteristics.

Golden Settings

A Point-to-MultiPoint network requires that the golden settings, as described on page26, are set the same on all transceivers in the network.

If several independent MultiPoint networks are to be located in close proximity the planning becomes more critical. In such cases, it becomes very important to include as much frequency and time diversity as possible through use of different Min and Max Packet Size. In some instances the use of the MultiMaster Sync option may be required. For more information, about the MultiMaster Sync setting, see application note #5412, Synchronizing Collocated Masters, or contact FreeWave Technical Support.

In almost all MultiPoint networks, the Frequency Key is the same for all transceivers. In other networks, where parallel Repeaters are introduced, the Frequency Key value needs to change.

Master-to-Slave Communications

Master-to-Slave communications within a MultiPoint network have the following characteristics:

l Data packets sent from the Master include a 32-bit CRC.

l The Master repeats its data broadcast between 0 to 9 times, depending on the setting in the

Master Packet Repeat setting. For more information, see "Master Packet Repeat" on page55.

l A Slave or Repeater does not send acknowledgements to the Master when it receives data. When

any Slave in the network receives the data packet from the Master with the 32-bit CRC, that Slave ignores any additional repeats of the data, and passes the data to its data port.

l Repeaters in the network send data to Slave transceivers and other Repeaters.

Slave-to-Master Communications

Slave-to-Master communications within a MultiPoint network have the following characteristics:

l Data packets sent from the Slave to the Master include a 32-bit CRC.

l When the Master successfully receives data, it sends an acknowledgement to the Slave and

passes the data to its data port.

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start

The following is a quick start guide for setting up two transceivers in Point-to-MultiPoint mode. This mode allows for a Master to communicate with several Repeaters and Slaves simultaneously.

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Tool Suite)

1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics cable. Make sure to connect the transceiver to a power source.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Power supply ranges and recommendations vary depending on model. Verify the specifications for the model you are using prior to connecting power.

2. Open a Tool Suite session, select the Configuration application, and ensure the correct port is selected in the Com Port field in the upper left of the Configuration ribbon.

3. From the Networks section of the Configuration ribbon, select the network in which the transceiver resides or click Add Network to create a new network in Tool Suite.

4. Click Read Radio in the Configuration ribbon to read the transceiver's current settings.

l If you are using a diagnostics cable to connect to the transceiver, the transceiver automatically

goes into Setup mode.

l If you are using a data cable to connect to the transceiver, you are prompted to press the

transceiver's Setup button to put it in Setup mode or .

l When in Setup mode, all three LEDs on the transceiver display solid green.

5. Select the Operation Mode tab.

In the Modem Mode field, select 2 to set the transceiver as a Point-to-MultiPoint Master or select

3 to set the transceiver as a Point-to-MultiPoint Slave.

Note: A MultiPoint network can have only one Master, unless running in Multi-Master

Synch mode. For more information, see "Multi-Master Synch" on page78.

6. Select the Baud Rate tab.

Change the Baud Rate, Data Parity, and Modbus RTU to match the device that the transceiver is to be connected to.

7. Select the Transmission Characteristics tab.

Set the following parameters so they are identical on all transceivers in the network:

l Frequency Key

l Max Packet Size

l Min Packet Size

l RF Data Rate

If several independent MultiPoint networks are located in close proximity, it becomes very important to include as much frequency and time diversity as possible through use of different Frequency Key, Min and Max Packet Size, and Hop Table settings.

Changing these settings from the factory defaults may help to eliminate interference from other FreeWave networks.

8. Select the MultiPoint Parameters tab.

In the Network ID field, set the value to any value between 1 and 4095. FreeWave recommends setting the Network ID to the last three or four digits of the Master transceiver's serial number if it is below 4095. This value must be the same in all transceivers in the network.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Note: A setting of 255 disables the Network ID feature and enables the Call Book

feature.

9. Do one of the following to send the changes to the transceiver:

l To send all the settings for all parameters, within the Configuration application in the Network

Title ribbon, click All.

l To send only the parameters you have changed, within the Configuration application in the

Network Title ribbon, click Quick. This option is only available if you clicked Read Radio and are not sending parameter settings from a template to the transceiver.

Point-to-MultiPoint Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface)

1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics cable. Make sure to connect the transceiver to a power source.

Power supply ranges and recommendations vary depending on model. Verify the specifications for the model you are using prior to connecting power.

2. Open a terminal emulator session and use the following settings when connecting the transceiver. You can also use the Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite if a terminal emulator is unavailable:

l Connect to COMx (where 'x' is the number of the COM port being connected).

l Set the following:

l Data Rate - 19,200

l Data Bits - 8

l Parity - none

l Stop bits - 1

l Flow control - none

3. Press the Setup button on the transceiver. If using the diagnostics cable, press Shift-U (uppercase U).

l The three LEDs on the transceiver should all turn green, indicating Setup mode.

l The Main menu displays on the screen.

4. Press 0 to access the Operation Mode menu.

l Press 2 to set the transceiver as a Point-to-MultiPoint Master or press 3 to set the transceiver

as a Point-to-MultiPoint Slave.

l Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

Note: A MultiPoint network can have only one Master, unless running in Multi-Master

Synch mode. For more information, see "Multi-Master Synch" on page78.

5. Press 1 in the Main menu.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

l Change the Baud Rate, Data Parity, and Modbus RTU to match the device that the

transceiver is to be attached to.

l Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

6. Press 3 in the Main menu.

l Set the following parameters so they are the same on all transceivers in the network:

l FreqKey

l Max Packet Size

l Min Packet Size

l RF Data Rate

The Frequency Key option is located in the F submenu after you press 0 to access the Frequency Key menu in Main menu 3.

Changing these values may help to eliminate interference from other FreeWave networks.

l Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

7. Press 5 in the Main menu.

Note: A setting of 255 disables the Network ID feature and enables the Call Book

feature.

8. Press Esc to exit the Setup menu and resume normal transceiver operation.

Point-to-MultiPoint Operation LEDs

Master Slave Repeater

Carrier

Detect

Condition

Powered, not linked Solid red

Repeater and Slave

linked to Master, no

data

Repeater and Slave

linked to Master,

Master sending data to

Slave

Repeater and Slave

linked to Master, Slave

sending data to Mast er

(CD)

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid green

RCV

data

Transmit

(Tx)

Solid red dim

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Off

Intermittent

flash red

Solid red

green

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

bright

Solid

Transmit

(Tx)

Off

Intermittent

flash red

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Blinking

red

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Solid red

bright

Solid

green

Solid

green

Solid

green

Transmit

(Tx)

Off

Solid red dim

Solid red

bright

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Blinking red

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Master Slave Repeater

Condition

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

or Solid red bright

Transmit

(Tx)

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Transmit

(Tx)

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Transmit

(Tx)

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Master with

diagnostics program

running

Solid red

bright

Solid red dim

Intermittent

flash red

Solid

green

Intermittent

flash red

Solid red

bright

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

* in an idle condition, the CTS LED is solid red with a solid link, as the link weakens the CTS

LED on the Repeater and Slave begins to blink

Overlapping MultiPoint Networks

Overlapping MultiPoint networks may be set up effectively with FreeWave transceivers when several key parameters are set correctly. Overlapping MultiPoint networks are defined as networks using different Master transceivers, which share or overlap in a specific geographic area. It may also include collocated transceivers configured into different networks. For more information, see application note #5412, Synchronizing Collocated Masters (Multi-Master Sync Mode).

Collocated MultiPoint networks require the following parameters be unique for each network:

l Network ID, unless using the Call Book

l Frequency Key (in conjunction with Repeater Frequency)

l Max Packet Size

l Min Packet Size

For more information about the installation of Point-to-MultiPoint networks, contact FreeWave Technical Support.

Establishing Communication with Other Transceivers in a MultiPoint

Network

For the transceivers in your network to communicate successfully, you need to tell the transceiver what other devices are available for them to communicate with. You can use the Network ID or the Call Book. FreeWave recommends using the Network ID option instead of the Call Book in MultiPoint networks. Because the Network ID does not use serial numbers, MultiPoint Master transceivers and Repeaters may be added or replaced without reprogramming each Slave transceiver in the network.

Using the Network ID in MultiPoint Networks

The Network ID parameter is located in the MultiPoint Parameters tab. Assign each transceiver in a single network the same Network ID. Slave transceivers link with the first Master or Repeater it hears that has a matching Network ID.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Keep the following in mind when setting the Network ID:

l The value can be any value between 1 and 4095, except 255, which enables the Call Book.

l To help ensure your ID is unique to your network, avoid using numbers that coincide with nearby

landmarks or highways.

l FreeWave recommends a Network IDof four characters. For example, the last four digits of the

Master serial number if it is below 4095, which is ensured to be unique and does not overlap with other nearby FreeWave networks.

l Use the Network ID function in conjunction with the Subnet ID feature (if necessary) to route data

through the transceiver network.

Using the Call Book in MultiPoint Networks

Although not recommended, the Call Book is an option in MultiPoint networks. If the Network ID feature is used in a MultiPoint network, no entries are needed in the Call Book of any of the transceivers.

Important: FreeWave recommends using the Network ID feature in a MultiPoint

network. Using the Call Book in a MultiPoint network can cause delay in resuming communications if a Master is damaged.

For information about setting the Call Book, see "Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks" on page68.

In a MultiPoint network, the Slave transceivers and Repeaters are not listed in the Master transceiver's Call Book. Slave transceivers must have the Master and any Repeater it is going to use in its Call Book.

The following examples show the Call Books of a MultiPoint network comprised of a Master, Repeater, and Slave in which the Slave can communicate either through the Repeater or directly to the Master:

MultiPoint Master Call Book (Unit Serial Number 900-0001)

Entry Number Repeater 1 Repeater 2

(0) 000-0000

(1) 000-0000

No serial number entries are necessary in the Master’s Call Book.

MultiPoint Repeater Call Book (Unit Serial Number 900-0002)

Entry Number Repeater 1 Repeater 2

(0) 900-0001

(1) 000-0000

MultiPoint Slave Call Book (Unit Serial Number 900-0003)

Entry Number Repeater 1 Repeater 2

(0) 900-0001

(1) 900-0002

(2) 000-0000

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

At times, you may want to force Slave transceivers to go through a specific MultiPoint Repeater. In this scenario, the Slave transceiver's Call Book should contain only the serial number for that Repeater as the entry on line 0.

Programming Point-to-MultiPoint Extended Call Book

In a MultiPoint network, Slave transceivers can be programmed to roam between Master transceivers and Repeaters using the MultiPoint Extended Call Book function. Slave transceivers with Call Books configured as described below communicate with any transceiver whose serial number appears in any of the three columns. Do the following to enable this functionality:

1. Set the Network ID to 255.

2. In the Call Book, enter 999-9999 as the last entry in the first and second columns.

3. In the Call Book, set Entry to Call to All.

Routing Communications Through the Network

When using the Network ID feature, a Repeater or Slave links to the first Repeater or Master it hears with the same ID. Using subnet IDs, you can determine the path a Repeater or Slave uses to communicate back to the Master. Subnet IDs are particularly helpful to force two Repeaters in the same network to operate in series rather than in parallel, or if desired, to force Slave transceivers to communicate to a specific Repeater for load balancing purposes.

By forcing the communications path, you can optimize performance of the network by ensuring the Repeater or Slave links to a Repeater or Master with robust RF communications. Subnet IDs can help to minimize latency.

Assigning Subnet ID Values

Subnet IDs consist of two parts, both available in the Multipoint Parameters tab:

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

l Rx - This setting identifies which transceiver a Repeater or Slave listens to. In the terminal

interface, this is the Rcv Subnet ID.

l Tx - This setting identifies the ID on which this device transmits, and in turn which devices listen to

it. The Tx Subnet ID parameter is relevant for Multipoint Master transceivers and Repeaters only. In the terminal interface, this is the Xmt Subnet ID.

The default (disable) setting for both Rx and Tx is F, which is a visual way to indicate that the device is the final in the line of communication and does not use a subnet ID. A Multipoint Slave with a Subnet ID of F,F does not roam from one Repeater or network to the next, it only links to a Master or Repeater that has either a Tx setting of 0 or an F,F Subnet ID.

Setting both Rx and Tx Subnet ID to 0 allows a mobile Slave to roam from subnet to subnet, and possibly from network to network, provided the Network ID, Max and Min Packet Size, and RF Data Rates are the same between networks.

The examples in this section show the subnet definitions from the Master transceiver through the network to the Slave transceivers. When the subnet path is defined, the Slave transceivers can follow the route back to the Master.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

The following illustration depicts a network in which subnet IDs are used to force communications along a specific path. The subnet settings follow.

Subnet ID Settings for This Example

Transceiver Rx Tx Additional Information

Master 0 0 The default settings (F, F) actually use 0, 0. The Rx Subnet on the

Master has no effect on the network.

Repeater1 0 1 A 0 forces the transceiver to link only to the Master.

Repeater2 1 2 Rx Subnet = 1 forces communication through Repeater 1. Repeater

1 transmits on subnet 2.

Slave 2 F Rx Subnet = 2 forces communication through Repeater 2. The

Slave is the end of the network, so its Tx Subnet is F.

In the following example, Repeater 2 must communicate through Repeater 1, the Slave connected to Repeater 1 must route through Repeater 1. The other two Slave transceivers must route through Slave/Repeater 2.

Subnet ID Settings for This Example

Transceiver Rx Tx Additional Information

Master 0 0 The default settings (F, F) actually use 0, 0. The Rx Subnet on the Master

has no effect on the network.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Transceiver Rx Tx Additional Information

Slave 1 0 F Rx Subnet = 0 forces the transceiver to link only to the Master. The Slave

does not transmit to any device except the Master, so its Tx Subnet is F.

Repeater1 0 1 Rx Subnet = 0 forces the transceiver to link only to the Master. Transmits on

subnet 1.

Slave 2 0 F Rx Subnet = 0 forces the transceiver to link only to the Master.

Slave/Repeater21 2 Rx Subnet = 1 forces the transceiver to link only to Repeater 1. It transmits

on Tx Subnet 2 to Slave 4 and 5.

Slave 3 1 F Rx Subnet = 1 forces the transceiver to link only to Repeater 1. The Slave

does not transmit to any device except Repeater 1, so its Tx Subnet is F.

Slave 4 2 F Rx Subnet = 2 forces the transceiver to link with Slave/Repeater 2.

Slave 5 2 F Rx Subnet = 2 forces the transceiver to link with Slave/Repeater 2.

In the following example, Repeater 1 must talk directly to the Master; Repeater 2 must talk directly to Repeater 1. Slave 1, 2, and 3 are forced along the direction of the solid lines. Slave 4 may link to the first Master or Repeater it hears in the network.

Subnet ID Settings for this Example

Transceiver Rx Tx Other Information

Master 0-F 0-F The default settings (F, F) actually use 0, 0. The Rx Subnet on the

Repeater 1 0 1 A 0 forces the transceiver to link only to the Master.

Repeater 2 1 2 Rx Subnet = 1 forces communication through Repeater 1.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Master has no effect on the network.

Repeater 1 transmits on SubnetID 1.

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Transceiver Rx Tx Other Information

Slave 1 0 0 or F Rx Subnet = 0 forces communication through the Master.

Slave 2 1 0 or F Rx Subnet = 1 forces communication through Repeater 1.

Slave 3 2 0 or F Rx Subnet = 2 forces communication through Repeater 2.

Slave 4 0 0 The 0,0 setting allows the Slave to link with the first Master or

Repeater it hears with the same Network ID.

Setting Other MultiPoint Parameters

The other MultiPoint Parameters options allow you to modify several different parameters in the transceiver that determine the characteristics of a MultiPoint network.

Set the following parameters in the MultiPoint Parameters tab. These settings are available in the MultiPoint Parameters menu in the terminal interface.

1 PPS Enable Delay

Default Setting: 255

Options: 255 to disable 1 PPS

0 to 254 to enter the delay

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (9) 1 PPS Enable/Delay

Description: The 1 PPS Enable/Delay setting allows a 1PPS signal to propagate from

the Master to all Slaves in a MultiPoint network. When this parameter is enabled a properly generated pulse applied on the DTR line of the Master provides a 1 PPS pulse on the CD line of any Slave in the network.

Follow the steps below to use the 1 PPS Enable/Delay feature.

To setup 1PPS Enable/Delay:

1. Set the 1 PPS Enable/Delay parameter to 0 in the Master transceiver.

The Master must have a 1 PPS pulse on the DTR pin.

2. Enable the 1 PPS Enable/Delay parameter on the Slave transceivers. Slave transceivers are calibrated at the factory.

To calibrate a Slave transceiver in 1PPS Enable/Delay mode:

1. Trigger an oscilloscope on the 1 PPS pulse on the DTR line of the Master transceiver.

2. Monitor the CD line of the Slave transceiver.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

3. If the timing on the Slave transceiver differs from the Master it may be adjusted via the value in the Slave transceiver's 1 PPS Enable/Delay parameter. The difference in time between each incremental integer value is 542.534 nanoseconds (ns). Changing the parameter to higher values decreases the Slave transceiver time delay and changing the parameter to lower values increases the time delay.

When properly calibrated, the CD line Slave transceiver outputs a pulse that goes high for about 2 ms in synch with the 1 PPS pulse on the Master transceiver. The output on the Slave transceiver occurs within 20 microseconds of the input to the Master.

Important: When 1 PPS is enabled, the Master transceiver must have a 1 PPS pulse

on its DTR pin, otherwise the RF network does not function.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Diagnostics

Default Setting: 0 (Disabled)

Options: Any number between 0 and 128

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (B) Diagnostics

Description: Allows diagnostics data in the Network Diagnostics application within

ToolSuite to be viewed at the Master transceiver in parallel with application data. The setting in this parameter determines how many slots out of 128 are dedicated to diagnostics. For example, if set to 10, 1 out of every 10 data slots is for diagnostics data; if set to 100, 1 out of every 100 data slots is for diagnostics data.

Diagnostics is always secondary to actual transmitted data.

For more information, see "Reading Diagnostics in Tool Suite" on page61.

DTR Connect

Default Setting: (0) Off

Options: l (0) Off - When set to off in the Slave transceiver, the transceiver

transmits when the data is received.

l (1) DTR Sensing - Forms a Point-to-Point link with the Master

transceiver when the DTR line is high to send data.

l (2) Burst Mode - The transceiver transmits data in bursts.

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) MultiPoint parameters > (4) DTRConnect

Description: Determines how the transceiver sends its data. This mode is valuable

when a network has many low data rate devices and you want to increase overall network capacity.

If DTR Connect is set to 1 and the RTS to CTS function is enabled on the transceiver, then RTS to CTS takes precedence over DTR Connect.

If DTR Connect is set to 2 and RTS to CTS is enabled, then RTS to CTS is ignored. The transceiver has two separate transmit and receive user data buffers. These buffers are 2 Kbytes each. In case of a buffer overflow, the transceiver outputs unpredictable data.

Local Mode

Default Setting: (0) Disabled

Options: (0) Disabled, (1) Enabled

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPointParameters > (E) Local Access

Description: Enable Local Mode to access a Slave transceiver with a local Master

transceiver. This Master does not take the place of the network Master. For more information, see application note #5457, Local Mode.

Master Packet Repeat

Note: When using the transceiver in Modbus RTU mode, the Master Packet Repeat

setting must match in every transceiver, regardless of whether the network is in Point-to-Point or MultiPoint mode.

Default Setting: 3

Options: Any number between 0 and 9.

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (1) Master Packet Repeat

Description: In a Point-to-MultiPoint network, Slave transceivers do not acknowledge

transmissions from the Master. If Slave transceivers did acknowledge all data transmissions, in a large network, the Master would soon become overwhelmed with acknowledgments from the Slaves. Without acknowledgments, 100% confidence every Slave transceiver has received every packet cannot be met.

To address this issue, you can modify the Master Packet Repeat parameter, assigning a value between 0 (the packet is transmitted once) to 9 (the packet is transmitted 10 times).

For networks with solid RF links, this parameter should be set to a low value such as 1 or 2. If a network has some weak or marginal links it should be set with higher values. If a Slave transceiver receives a good packet from a Master more than once it discards the repeated packets. Similarly, after a MultiPoint Repeater receives a good packet from the Master, it discards any further repeated packets. In turn, the Repeater sends the packet out to the next Repeater or Slaves the number of times corresponding to its own Master Packet Repeat setting.

Increasing the Master Packet Repeat setting increases the probability of a packet getting through, but also increases latency in the network because each packet from the Master or Repeater is being sent multiple times. Therefore, it is important to find the optimal mix between network robustness, throughput, and latency. In general, a setting of 2 to 3 works well for most well designed networks.

Note: The Master Packet Repeat parameter may be set to 0 if the user software is capable of, or requires acknowledgment. In this case, if the Master sends a packet that the Slave transceiver does not receive, the user software controls the retries as needed.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Master Packet Repeat in MultiPoint Networks with Repeaters

The Master Packet Repeat parameter must also be set in MultiPoint Repeaters because a Repeater appears as a Master to a Slave transceiver. Therefore, the Repeater sends the packet out the number of times corresponding to its own Master Packet Repeat parameter setting. If this parameter is set improperly the reliability of the overall network may be diminished.

For example, if a Master's Master Packet Repeat parameter setting is 3, the link between the Master and Repeater should be robust. If the Repeater's Master Packet Repeat parameter setting is 0, this could cause marginal links between the Repeater and the Slaves. The Slaves communicating through this Repeater only receive the initial packet from the Master with no repeats. Therefore, if the packet is not received on the first try, the Slave transceiver does not respond as expected.

Note: The Master Packet Repeat parameter setting in any MultiPoint Repeater must

be less than or equal to the Master's setting.

Max Slave Retry

Default Setting: 9

Options: Any number between 1 and 9.

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (2) Max Slave Retry

Description: Defines how many times the Slave transceiver attempts to retransmit a

packet to the Master before beginning to use a back-off algorithm (defined by the Retry Odds parameter). The Slave transceiver retries stop when the Slave receives an acknowledgement from the Master.

Radio ID

Default Setting: Blank

Options: Any 4 digit, user-defined number.

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (D) Radio ID

Description: Use this option to designate a transceiver with an arbitrary, user-defined, 4-

digit number that identifies the transceiver in Diagnostics mode.

Radio Name

Default Setting: Blank

Options: Any combination of letters or numbers up to 20 characters

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (G) Radio Name

Description: Use this parameter to give a transceiver a name, such as its location.

Naming transceivers can be helpful to identify a transceiver when in Diagnostics mode.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Repeater Frequency

Default Setting: (0) Disabled

Options: (0) Disabled

(1) Enabled

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (5) Repeater Frequency

Description: Enable this parameter when you need a Frequency Key other than that of

the Master. This condition occurs when parallel Repeaters in a network may have overlapping areas of responsibility. The default setting of 0 (Disabled) causes the Repeater to use the key set in the Frequency Key parameter in the Transmission Characteristics tab.

Note: When the Repeater Frequency parameter is disabled and Subnets are not configured, the Frequency Key parameter setting in eachSlave transceiver must match the Master or Repeater acting as the Master for the transceiver.

Repeaters

Note: This parameter needs to be set in the MultiPoint Master only. The setting has no

effect if set in a MultiPoint Slave.

Default Setting: (1) Enabled

Options: (0) Disabled

(1) Enabled

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (0) Number Repeaters

Description: Indicates if any number of Repeaters exist in the network.

Retry Odds

Default Setting: 0

Options: Any number between 0 and 9.

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) Edit MultiPoint Parameters > (3) Retry Odds

Description: While packets transmitted from the Master to the Slave transceivers in a

MultiPoint network are not acknowledged, packets transmitted from Slaves to the Master are acknowledged. It is possible that more than one Slave attempts to transmit to the Master at the same time. Therefore, it is important that a protocol exists to resolve contention for the Master between Slaves in the network. This is addressed through the Max Slave Retry and Retry Odds parameters. After the Slave has unsuccessfully attempted to transmit the packet the number of times specified in the Max

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Slave Retry parameter, it attempts to transmit to the Master on a random basis. The Retry Odds parameter determines the probability that the Slave attempts to retransmit the packet to the Master; a low setting assigns low odds to the Slave attempting to transmit. Conversely, a high setting assigns higher odds.

Consider two different Slave transceivers in a MultiPoint network, one with a strong RF link and the other with a weak RF link to the Master. If a Slave has a weak or poor link, set the Retry Odds parameter to 0 as it may become a "chatty" Slave and lockup the network, causing a loss of communication.

When the Retry Odds parameter is set to 0, after the Slave has exhausted the number of retries set in the Max Slave Retry parameter and still not gained the Master’s attention, the Slave’s data buffer is purged. A Retry Odds parameter set to 0 is recommended for most networks.

Slave/Repeater

Default Setting: (0) Disabled

Options: (0) Disabled

(1) Enabled

Setup Terminal Menu: (5) MultiPoint Parameters > (A) Slave/Repeater

Description: The Slave/Repeater mode allows a transceiver in a MultiPoint network to

switch between Slave and Repeater functions. When in this mode, a transceiver repeats any packets sent across the network as well as uses the data port. Thus, where one Repeater and one Slave may be required in another vendor’s network, FreeWave networks require only one transceiver.

To operate a transceiver as a MultiPoint Slave/Repeater, the following must be set:

l The Modem Mode parameter in the Operation Mode tab must be set to

MultiPoint Repeater.

l The Slave/Repeater parameter in the MultiPoint Parameters tab must

be enabled.

Conserving Power

Power consumption can be essential, especially for remote sites that are difficult to access.

You can conserve power using the following options available in the Transmission Characteristics tab. These settings are available in the Radio TransmissionCharacteristics menu in the terminal interface.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

l Low Power Mode - Available in MultiPoint Slaves using RS232. Conserves power primarily by

dimming the transceiver's LEDs. For more information, see "Low Power Mode" on page59.

l Remote LEDs - If the transceiver has the optional 20-in connector, you can use this option to

connect remote LEDs through the diagnostics port. This feature may be used to save power in MultiPoint Repeaters where the other options are not available. For more information, see "Remote LED" on page34.

Low Power Mode

Note: This setting applies only to MultiPoint Slave transceivers using the RS232

protocol. Low Power Mode does not work with MultiPoint Repeaters because they are constantly transmitting.

Default Setting: 0

Options: Any number between 0 and 31. The higher the number, the greater the

power consumption decrease.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (9) Low Power Mode

Description: Allows a MultiPoint Slave transceiver to consume less power, primarily by

dimming the transceiver's LEDs.

When set to 2 through 31, the transceiver sleeps between slots. For example, at a setting of 2 the transceiver sleeps 1 out of 2 slots; at a setting of 3 the transceiver sleeps 2 out of 3 slots, and so on.

When the transceiver is asleep, it hears nothing from the Master.

The following table shows the changes at different Low Power Mode settings. The actual current draw depends on many factors. The table below gives only a qualitative indication of supply current savings. A low number reduces latency and a high number reduces current consumption.

Setting Description

0 Low power, disabled.

1 LEDs dimmed, transceiver remains

awake, transceiver is listening to the Master’s transmissions on every slot, and transceiver’s data port is shut down if the RTS line is de-asserted (low). In this case, the transceiver needs to be awakened before it is able to send data to the Master.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

2 LEDs dimmed, transceiver sleeps every

other slot.

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Note the following about the Low Power Mode parameter:

l Power savings occur only when the Slave transceiver is linked. No

power savings occur when the Slave transceiver is transmitting data. Low Power Mode is of little value when a Slave has a constant, high throughput. The MCU Speed parameter must be set to 0 and the RF Data Rate parameter must be set to 3 for Low Power Mode to operate properly.

Setting Description

3 LEDs dimmed, transceiver sleeps 2 of 3

slots.

4-31 LEDs dimmed, transceiver sleeps the

number of slots corresponding to the setting. For example, with a setting of 31 the transceiver sleeps 30 of 31 slots.

l To communicate to an RS232 port of a transceiver that is in Low Power

Mode, the RTS line must be held high to wake it up. The transceiver

wakes up within approximately 20 milliseconds of when RTS goes high.

l If the Request to Send (RTS) line on the Slave transceiver is held high,

the transceiver remains in normal operation regardless of the Low Power Mode setting. After RTS is dropped the transceiver reverts to the Low Power Mode.

l If the transceiver has the DTR Connect parameter in the MultiPoint

Parameters tabset to 1 or 2 and if the Low Power Mode is enabled (set to 1 to 31), the RTS lineonthe transceiver must be asserted for the DTR Connect feature to operateproperly.

l The diagnostic pins must be disabled or terminated to a cable for the

sleep current inLower Power Mode to match the specifications. To disable the diagnostic pins, ensure the following are set:

l In the Baud Rate tab, the Setup Port parameter is set to 1

(Main Only).

l In the MultiPoint Parameters tab, the Diagnostics

parameter is set to 0 (Off).

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Reading Diagnostics in Tool Suite

The Network Diagnostics application provides a place to view diagnostic data for all the devices connected to the Master in your network in real time. This application is not meant to replicate the functionality of a Network Management System, but rather it is a tool that can be used for diagnostics and troubleshooting in the field.

Important: The Network Diagnostics application is intended for occasional network

monitoring or troubleshooting, not for continuous, long-term collection of diagnostic data.

This section provides basic steps for reading diagnostics using Tool Suite. Tool Suite stores the diagnostic data in the database and you can import or export a diagnostic file. For information regarding the data available, recommended best practices, and importing and exporting files using the Network Diagnostics application, see the ToolSuite User Manual available on the User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the ToolSuite software.

Note: To help identify the transceivers in your network when running Network

Diagnostics, set the Radio Name and Radio ID fields in the Multipoint Parameters tab.

The diagnostic program must be run from the Master transceiver. Diagnostics requires the following:

l A setting between 1 and 128 in the Diagnostics parameter available in the MultiPoint Parameters

menu on the Master.

l A second computer or serial connection to run the diagnostics software.

l A diagnostics cable. (Available from FreeWave.)

l Diagnostics software. (Available on the User Manual and System Tools CD and on

www.FreeWave.com.)

For more information about Diagnostics, contact FreeWave Technical Support.

To run diagnostics using ToolSuite:

1. Connect the Master to the computer running Tool Suite.

2. Open ToolSuite and click Network Diagnostics in the Applications pane.

3. From the drop-down menu in the Networks section of the ribbon, select the serial network for which you want to run diagnostics.

If you do not have a network defined, click Add and follow the instructions in the wizard. For more information, see the ToolSuite User's Manual.

4. From the ribbon, click Start.

5. To stop running diagnostics, click Stop.

If you move away from the Network Diagnostics application without selecting Stop, the program continues to poll for diagnostic data.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 3: Configuring Point-to-MultiPoint Networks

Important: Tool Suite is not optimized for the collection and management of large

amounts of diagnostic data from continuous polling. Collection of excessive amounts of data results in overall performance degradation in Tool Suite and network throughput degradation.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 4: Configuring

Point-to-Point Networks

Point-to-Point networks are the most basic type of network, and do not require much more than setting up the basic network, as described in the basic programming and setup chapter.

This chapter provides:

l A brief quick start to setup a Point-to-Point network.

l An LED chart for LED function within a Point-to-Point network.

l Information about programming the Call Book.

Point-to-Point Network Quick Start

To establish a link between a pair of FreeWave transceivers just received from the factory, complete the steps described below for each transceiver.

Point-to-Point Network Quick Start (Tool Suite):

1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics cable. Make sure to connect the transceiver to a power source.

Power supply ranges and recommendations vary depending on model. Verify the specifications for the model you are using prior to connecting power.

2. Open a Tool Suite session, select the Configuration application, and ensure the correct port is selected in the Com Port field in the Configuration ribbon.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 4: Configuring Point-to-Point Networks

3. From the Networks section of the Configuration ribbon, select the network in which the transceiver resides or click Add Network to create a new network in Tool Suite.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

4. Click Read Radio in the Configuration ribbon to read the transceiver's current settings.

l If you are using a diagnostics cable to connect to the transceiver, the transceiver automatically

goes into Setup mode.

l If you are using a data cable to connect to the transceiver, you are prompted to press the

transceiver's Setup button to enter Setup mode.

l When in Setup mode, all three LEDs on the transceiver display solid green.

5. Select the Operation Mode tab.

In the Modem Mode field, select to set the transceiver to Point-to-Point mode. For example, set one transceiver as a Point-to-Point Master (Mode 0) and the other as a Point-to-Point Slave (Mode

1). For more information about modem modes, see "Setting the Transceiver's Role in the Network and the Network Type" on page17.

Note: A Point-to-Point network can have only one Master.

6. Select the Baud Rate tab.

Change the Baud Rate, Data Parity, and Modbus RTU to match the device that the transceiver is to be attached to.

7. Select the Transmission Characteristics tab.

Set the following parameters so they are identical on all transceivers in the network:

l Frequency Key

l Max Packet Size

l Min Packet Size

l RF Data Rate

If several independent networks are located in close proximity, it becomes very important to include as much frequency and time diversity as possible through use of different Frequency Key, Min and Max Packet Size, and Hop Table parameter settings.

Changing these settings from the factory defaults may help to eliminate interference from other FreeWave networks.

8. Select the Call Book tab.

Enter the Slave serial number in the Master’s Call Book. Enter the Master’s Serial number in the Slave’s Call Book, or disable the Slave Security parameter in the Slave. For more information about setting up the Call Book see "Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks" on page68.

Shortly after both transceivers are plugged in, they should establish a link with each other and the connection is complete. Using the LED table below, verify that the transceivers are operating as expected.

9. Do one of the following to send the changes to the transceiver:

l To send all the settings for all parameters, within the Configuration application in the Network

Title ribbon, click All.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 4: Configuring Point-to-Point Networks

l To send only the parameters you have changed, within the Configuration application in the

Network Title ribbon, click Quick. This option is only available if you clicked Read Radio and are not sending parameter settings from a template to the transceiver.

Point-to-Point Network Quick Start (Terminal Interface):

1. Connect the transceiver to the serial port of a computer either through a serial cable or via the diagnostics cable. Make sure to connect the transceiver to a power source.

Power supply ranges and recommendations vary depending on model. Verify the specifications for the model you are using prior to connecting power.

2. Open a terminal emulator session and use the following settings when connecting to the transceiver. You can also use the Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite if a terminal emulator is unavailable.

l Connect to COMx (where 'x' is the number of the COM port being connected).

l Set the following:

l Data Rate - 19,200

l Data Bits - 8

l Parity - none

l Stop bits - 1

l Flow control - none

3. Press the Setup button on the transceiver. If using the diagnostics cable, press Shift-U (capitalU).

l The three LEDs on transceiver should all turn green, indicating Setup mode.

l The Main menu displays on the screen.

4. Press 0 to access the Operation Mode menu.

l Press0 to set the transceiver as a Point-to-Point Master or press 1 to set the transceiver as

Point-to-Point Slave. For more information about modem modes, see "Setting the Transceiver's Role in the Network and the Network Type" on page17.

l Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

5. Press 1 in the Main menu.

l Change the Baud Rate, Data Parity, and Modbus RTU to match the device that the

transceiver is to be attached to.

l Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

6. Press 2 in the Main menu to update the Call Book.

Enter the Slave serial number in the Master’s Call Book. Enter the Master’s Serial number in the Slave’s Call Book, or disable the Slave Security parameter in the Slave. For more information about setting up the Call Book, see "Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks" on page68.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

7. Press 3 in the Main menu.

l Set the following parameters so they are the same on all transceivers in the network:

l FreqKey

l Max Packet Size

l Min Packet Size

l RF Data Rate

The Frequency Key option is located in the F submenu after you press 0 to access the Frequency Key menu in Main menu 3.

Changing these values may help to eliminate interference from other FreeWave networks.

l Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

8. Press Esc to exit the Setup menu and resume normal transceiver operation.

Point-to-Point Operation LEDs

Master Slave Repeater

Carrier

Detect

Condition

Powered, no link Solid red

Linked, no

Repeater, s end-

ing sparse data

Master calling

Slave through

Repeater

Master linked to

Repeater, not to

Slave

Repeater linked

to Slave

Mode 6 - waiting

for ATD com-

mand

(CD)

bright

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Flashing

orange

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Transmit

(Tx)

Solid red

bright

Intermittent

flash red

Solid red

dim

Solid red

dim

Intermittent

flash red

Off

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Solid red

bright

Intermittent

flash red

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Intermittent

flash red

Blinking

red

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Solid red

bright

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Solid red

bright

Solid

green

Solid red

bright

Transmit

(Tx)

Off

Intermittent

flash red

Off

Intermittent

flash red

Off

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Blinking

red

Intermittent

flash red

Blinking

red

Blinking

red

Intermittent

flash red

Blinking

red

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Solid red

bright

n/a n/a n/a

Solid red

bright

Solid

Red

bright

Solid

green

n/a n/a n/a

Transmit

(Tx)

Off

Solid red dim

Intermittent

flash red

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Blinking

red

Blinking

red

Solid red

bright

Intermittent

flash red

Setup Mode Solid Solid Solid Solid

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

green

Solid Solid Solid

green

Solid Solid

Chapter 4: Configuring Point-to-Point Networks

Master Slave Repeater

Condition

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

green green green green green green green

Transmit

(Tx)

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Transmit

(Tx)

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Carrier

Detect

(CD)

Transmit

(Tx)

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Using the Call Book in Point-to-Point Networks

The Call Book is required in Point-to-Point networks. While the Call Book is an option in Point-to-MultiPoint networks, FreeWave strongly recommends using the Network ID feature in most applications. If a large MultiPoint network is implemented using the Call Book and you want to add a transceiver to the network, or need to replace a transceiver, you must physically travel to all transceivers in the network and enter the new serial number in the transceiver's Call Book.

Using the Call Book offers both security and flexibility in determining how FreeWave transceivers communicate with each other.

You must set the following for two FreeWave transceivers to communicate in Point-to-Point mode:

1. The Master transceiver' serial number must be listed in the Slave transceiver's Call Book or Slave Security is turned off in the Slave.

2. The Slave serial number must be listed in the Master Call Book .

3. The Master must be programmed to call the Slave (Entry to Call option).

The Call Book allows you to incorporate up to 10 FreeWave transceivers, designate 1 to 4 Repeaters to use with each transceiver, and designate which Slave the Master calls. To set the Entry to Call option, select the number in the Entry to Call field, select All to direct the Master to call all Slave transceivers.

Note: To set the Entry to Call option in the terminal interface, enter C at the Call Book

menu, followed by the menu number corresponding to that Slave. To call any available Slave in the list, enter C then enter A to direct the Master to Call All.

It is important that the Call Book slots (0-9) are filled sequentially starting with slot 0. When a Master is instructed to Call All, it calls all Slave transceivers listed until it reaches the first serial number of 000-0000 (or a blank slot). If a serial number is entered after the all zero number or as a Repeater, the Master does not recognize it as a valid number.

Note: When entering numbers into the Call Book, you need only define Repeaters in

the Master Call Book. The Slave Call Book only requires the Master serial number. A Repeater need not have anything listed in its Call Book.

To set the Call Book in Tool Suite:

1. In the Tool Suite Configuration application, select the device to program and click the (2) Call Book tab.

2. In the Number column in Row 0, enter the seven-digit serial number of the transceiver being called.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

3. In the Repeater 1 column, enter the first Repeater's seven-digit number. If no Repeaters are being used, leave the column empty.

4. In the Repeater 2 column, enter the second Repeater’s 7-digit number. If only one Repeater is being used, leave the column empty.

5. If Repeaters are being used, select the appropriate Entry to Call option in the Master Call Book.

To apply the changes, select either the Quick or All icon. Tool Suite applies the changes to the transceiver.

To set the Call Book in the terminal interface:

1. Select C(2) Edit all Book from the main Setup menu to display the following window:

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

2. Enter the number or letter associated with the option you want to select.

3. At the Enter New Number prompt, enter the seven-digit serial number of the transceiver being called.

4. The system prompts for the first Repeater's serial number. If no Repeaters are being used, press Esc and continue with step 6. Otherwise, enter the 7-digit serial number of the Repeater.

5. The system prompts for the second Repeater's serial number. Enter the 7-digit serial number of the second Repeater. If only one Repeater is being used, press Esc.

The system refreshes the transceiver’s Call Book menu with the new changes.

6. Repeat steps 2 to 5 for additional transceivers in the network.

7. Press Esc to return to the Main menu.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 4: Configuring Point-to-Point Networks

Programming Point-To-Point Extended Call Book to Use Three or Four Repeaters

In a Point-to-Point configuration, FreeWave transceivers can use up to four Repeaters. To use three or four Repeaters, program the Call Book with the Slave serial number, followed by the first two Repeaters. On the next line enter 999-9999 as the transceiver to call. When prompted for the Repeaters enter the third and fourth Repeaters in the link.

The illustration below shows a Point-to-Point link where a Slave is called through four Repeaters. In this example the Master is calling the Slave, 571-3872, through Repeater 1, 901-1234, then Repeater 2,910-0234, then Repeater 3, 571-3456, and finally Repeater 4, 571-4567. Entering the serial number 999-9999 in line 1 instructs the Master to continue calling through the Repeaters programmed on that line.

To call a Slave transceiver through one or more Repeaters, that Slave must be called individually. With Call All selected, the Master will not connect with any Slave transceivers through Repeaters. The Master calls every Slave in the list and connects with the first Slave that responds. When calling through a Repeater, the Master must first call that Repeater and establish a communications link with it prior to making contact with the Slave.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 5: Advanced Programming

The settings and scenarios covered in this chapter are considered advanced programming, and are settings and scenarios that you are not as likely to use in your network.

Working with Parallel Repeaters

As you add Repeaters to a network, plan accordingly to avoid creating a parallel Repeater scenario. A parallel Repeater is defined as two or more Repeaters linked to the same point in the network.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 5: Advanced Programming

In the diagram above, the Slave transceiver in the middle has overlapping coverage from both the Repeaters (parallel Repeaters). Data from the Repeaters is transmitted on the same Frequency Key in the same time slot, which creates message collisions.

To resolve this scenario, change the following settings on one or more of the Repeaters in conflict:

l Repeater Frequency - Set the Repeater Frequency parameter in the MultiPoint Parameters tab

to any number other than 0. If set to a number other than 0, the transceiver uses the frequency key set in the Frequency Key parameter in the Transmission Characteristics tab, instead of the frequency key assigned to the Master.

l Frequency Key - Set the Frequency Key parameter in the TransmissionCharacteristics tab to a

key other than that of the conflicting Repeater.

If you need to add a Repeater to your network, use the following steps to help ensure that you resolve any parallel Repeater issues up front, before deploying the Repeater in the network.

1. From within Tool Suite, run a network diagnostics file. You can also gather the settings from all the Repeaters that are currently in your network.

2. Review the network diagnostics file, paying special attention to the following settings on each Repeater and the Master

l Frequency Key

l Repeater Frequency

l Rx and Tx Subnet IDs

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

3. On a piece of paper, draw your network, noting the above settings for each Repeater, ensuring there are no duplicates.

If there are duplicates, change the Repeater Frequency and the Frequency Key parameters as described above.

If the Repeater you are adding is the only Repeater in the network, set the Frequency Key parameter to match the Master, the Rx Subnet ID parameter to match the Master's Tx Subnet ID parameter setting, and the Tx Subnet ID parameter to 1. In the Master, set the Repeaters parameter to Enabled.

Setting Transceiver Passwords

Use passwords to prevent access to or changing of any of the transceiver’s parameters. This option is useful if you want to prevent unauthorized personnel from gaining access to the transceiver settings.

If the Setup Port option in the Baud Rate tab is set to (1) Main Only or (3) Both, the password is only accepted if the option is accessed from the main data port. To use the Password function using the diagnostics port, the Setup Port option must be set to (2) Diagnostics Only.

Warning! If the password feature is enabled and the password is forgotten, you need to return the transceiver to FreeWave to have the password disabled.

To set a password:

1. From the Setup main menu in the terminal interface, select (8) Chg Password to display the following prompt:

New PW? (<esc> to exit)

2. To back out of the process and not enable the password press Esc. To set a password, type exactly four characters. Passwords are case sensitive.

Press Esc to cancel the process at any point.

3. After you enter the four characters the following prompt displays:

<Enter> to accept,<esc> to quit.

4. To accept the password as entered and enable the feature, press Enter. To quit the process and not enable the password, press Esc.

If you press Enter, the password displays on the line above. The password is case sensitive and every keystroke is a character.

To change a password:

After the password feature has been enabled, it is possible to change to a new password.

1. From the Setup main menu in the terminal interface, select (8) Chg Password.

2. At the Enter Security Code prompt enter the current four character, case sensitive password.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 5: Advanced Programming

After entering the password correctly, the prompt to enter the new password displays. Enter the new four character, case sensitive password.

Press Esc to cancel this process at any point.

3. To accept the password as entered and enable the feature, press Enter. To quit the process and not enable the password, press Esc.

If you press Enter, the password displays on the line above. The password is case sensitive and every keystroke is a character.

To disable a password:

After the password features has been enabled, it is possible to disable the password if you know the current password.

Important: You can only disable a password using the prompt when you read the

transceiver in Tool Suite, or through a terminal emulator. You cannot disable the password using Setup Terminal application within Tool Suite.

1. From the Setup main menu in the terminal interface, select (8) Chg Password.

2. Hold down the Alt key and type 0255 using the number pad on your keyboard and release the Alt key.

3. Repeat this step three more times (hold Alt and type 0255 a total of 4 times).

Important: You must type the 0255 using the NUM Pad on your computer, not the top

row of numerals.

After the fourth entry, the password is disabled.

Enabling and Setting Up AES Encryption

Protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and authenticity of your data communications is essential to maintaining a robust, reliable, and secure wireless infrastructure. FreeWave has incorporated a number of mechanisms to achieve these critical security objectives, including the use of AES encryption. When available and enabled, AES encryption adds a layer of 128-bit, 192-bit, or 256-bit encryption strength to the data before it is sent over the RF link.

Note: AES encryption is available as an option set at the factory in firmware v10.6.6

and later.

To use AES encryption, you must set the encryption strength, provide an encryption key, and provide an encryption channel key. These settings are available in the (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics > (E) Encryption menu in the terminal interface, and are not available in Tool Suite. For more information about the settings, see the descriptions below. For information about accessing the Setup menu using the terminal interface, see "Accessing the Setup Menu Using a Terminal Emulator " on page10.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Important: When AES is enabled, every transceiver in the network must have

matching encryption strengths, encryption keys, and encryption channel keys, and the MCU Speed parameter set to 3 for successful communication and data transmission.

Encryption (Strength)

Note: AES encryption settings are available only through the Setup menu in the

terminal interface. If the transceiver does not have Encryption enabled, menu option E in the (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics menu is blank and has no function.

Important: This setting must match across all transceivers in the network.

Default Setting: (0) Off

Options: l (0) Off - Turns off AES encryption.

l (2) AES 128 - Enables AES encryption, 128-bit strength.

l (3) AES 192 - Enables AES encryption, 192-bit strength.

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

l (4) AES 256 - Enables AES encryption, 256-bit strength.

The options available for selection are based on the encryption strength set at the factory, or within the upgrade to use AES completed with FreeWave technical support's assistance. For example, if the transceiver is factory set to include AES 256, then each strength option is available; however, if the transceiver is factory set to include AES 192, then only Off, AES 128, and AES 192 areavailable.

Selecting any option other than 0 enables AES encryption and you must also set the encryption key and the channel key for successful communication.

Setup Terminal Menu: (3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics > (E) Encryption

Description: AES encryption is available in various strengths. Your network, and the

data you are sending determines the encryption strength you should use. The higher the encryption strength, the stronger the encryption; however, it can also take longer for the encryption and de-encryption to take place.

Encryption Key

Note: AES encryption settings are available only through the Setup menu in the

terminal interface. If the transceiver does not have Encryption enabled, menu option E in the (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics menu is blank and has no function.

Important: This setting must match across all transceivers in the network.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 5: Advanced Programming

Default Setting: Blank

Options: Any set of hexadecimal pairs as described below.

Setup Terminal Menu:

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics > (E) Encryption > (5) Enter Key

Description: The encryption key is the piece of information used to encrypt and de-

encrypt the data sent through your network. Even with encryption, your data is only as secure as the strength of the encryption key you use. Keys should be random in nature and entered as hexadecimal values (0 to F in twocharacter pairs). You can use any combination of characters for your key. For example, a combination of numbers that you know, or a sentence or phrase converted into hexadecimal format. Various string-to-hexadecimal converters are available on the Internet.

Enter the encryption key in 2-character hexadecimal combinations in the lines provided:

The Enter Key option always asks for all 32 lines of the encryption key. However, the encryption strength you select determines how many of the lines are required:

l 128-bit encryption - Enter key information in rows 00 to 0F. The last 16

lines (10 to 1F) are ignored.

l 192-bit encryption - Enter key information in rows 00 to 17. The last 8

entries (18 to 1F) are ignored.

l 256-bit encryption - Enter key information in rows 00 to 1F. All lines

areused.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Encryption Channel Key

Note: AES encryption settings are available only through the Setup menu in the

terminal interface. If your transceiver does not have Encryption enabled, menu option E in the (3) Edit Radio TransmissionCharacteristics menu is blank and has no function.

Important: This setting must match across all transceivers in the network.

Default Setting: Blank

Options: Any set of hexadecimal pairs as described below.

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Setup Terminal Menu:

Description: The channel key is required when AES encryption is enabled for transceivers

(3) Edit Radio Transmission Characteristics > (E) Encryption > (6) Channel Key

in the network to link when AES encryption is enabled. This setting differs from the Encryption Key parameter in that it does not encrypt the actual data but is required, along with the other "golden settings" described in a network, for the communication to take place.

Channel keys should be random in nature and entered as hexadecimal values (0 to F in two-character pairs). You can use any combination of characters for your key. For example, a combination of numbers that you know, or a sentence or phrase converted into hexadecimal format. Various string-tohexadecimal converters are available on the Internet.

Enter the encryption key in 2-character hexadecimal combinations in lines 00 to 07 in the lines provided.

Troubleshooting AES Setup

The transceivers link, transmit data, and then unlink.

Verify that the MCU Speed parameter is not set to 3 in the terminal interface.

The transceivers link, transmit data, but the data is in unrecognizable characters.

Verify that the Encryption Key on each transceiver is set exactly the same. If the keys do not match, the transceivers can still transmit data, but cannot decrypt the data.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 5: Advanced Programming

The transceivers do not link and the golden settings are all set the same.

Verify that the Channel Key in the Encryption menu is set the same across the transceivers in the network. If the keys do not match, the transceivers will not link when AES is enabled, even if the golden settings match.

Low Baud Rates

The transceiver's baud rate may be set to 300, 600, or 900. For more information about using a low baud rate, contact FreeWave Technical Support.

Multi-Master Synch

The Multi-Master Synch setting is reserved for applications in both Point-to-Point and MultiPoint modes with concentrations of Master units where it is necessary to reduce interference between the Master transceivers. For more information about using Multi-Master Synch in non-TDMA mode, see application note #5412, Synchronizing Collocated Masters, or contact FreeWave Technical Support. For more information about using Multi-Master Synch while in TDMA mode, contact FreeWave Technical Support.

Time Divisible Multiple Access (TDMA)

Available as an optional, add-on feature in some transceiver models, the FreeWave Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) protocol is an enhanced and sophisticated version of Point-to-MultiPoint communications. The TDMA protocol provides timing and other parameters, which in turn allow large transceiver networks to work in a non-polled environment. This option is only used for peer-to-peer communications or when applications are very time specific. If you purchase TDMA as an option, additional information is provided to you about implementing and using the feature.

For additional information about TDMA, contact FreeWave Technical Support.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 6: Viewing Transceiver Statistics

When you read a transceiver the system displays data transmission statistics the transceiver has gathered during the most recent session. This information is valuable when you need to know the signal strength and noise levels of the link. Statistics are gathered during each time the Master and Slave link and are reset when the next link begins.

In addition, you can view more data transmission characteristics, including averages gathered over time, in the Network Diagnostics application. For information about running network diagnostics using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual.

To display statistics in Tool Suite:

1. In the Tool Suite Configuration application, clickRead Radio, and then click the Device Information tab.

2. Review the statistics. Each statistic is described in detail in the sections below.

You can also view the same statistics using the Setup Terminal option in Tool Suite.

To display the Radio Transmission Characteristics in the terminal interface:

1. Select (4) Show Radio Statistics from the Setup main menu to display the following window:

Review the radio statistics. Each statistic is described in detail in the sections below.

Antenna Reflected Power

This is a measurement of the transmitted power that is reflected back into the transceiver from mismatched antennas or cables, or loose connections between the transceiver and antenna. A reading of 0 to 5 is good; 5 to 20 is marginal; 20 or higher indicates that the connections should be inspected for loose connections and cable quality. A reading of 30 or higher indicates a definite problem in the system.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 6: Viewing Transceiver Statistics

The most likely reason for a higher Antenna Reflected Power reading is a cable issue between the transceiver and the antenna: loose connections, cable kinks, breaks in cable shielding, moisture in the fittings or connections, etc. Less commonly, a high Antenna Reflected Power reading can indicate a hardware problem with the transceiver itself, such as a damaged RF connector. Lastly, a high reading may indicate a problem with the antenna itself, although antenna problems are the least likely indicator.

Master-Slave Distance

The physical distance between the Slave transceiver and the Master transceiver in the network. This distance is most accurate at a distance greater than 2.5 miles (4.0234 km).

Noise Level

The Noise Level indicates the level of background noise and interference at this transceiver and at each of the Repeaters in the link. The number is an average of the noise levels measured at each frequency in the transceiver’s frequency hop table.

The individual measurement values at each frequency hop channel are shown in the frequency table. If you are viewing statistics in the terminal interface, press Enter when the Radio Statistics menu displays to view the frequency table.

Ideally, the difference between the average signal level and average noise level should be 15 or more. Margins that are significantly higher than this are an indication of a high level of interference that may degrade the performance of the link.

Number of Disconnects

The value in this statistic indicates the total number of times the link between the Master and the Slave has been lost and the transceivers lose Carrier Detect from the time the transceiver is powered on until the transceiver is put into Setup mode. Under ideal operating conditions, the number of disconnects should be 0. One or more disconnects may indicate a weak link, the presence of severe interference problems, or loss of power to any of the transceivers in the link.

Note: In Tool Suite, the disconnect information is available in the Summary View in

the Network Diagnostics application.

Radio Temperature

The Radio Temperature value is the current operating temperature of the transceiver in degrees Celsius. For proper operation, a FreeWave transceiver must be in the temperature range of -40° to +75° C.

Rate % (Receive Percentage Rate)

The Rate % measures the percentage of data packets that were successfully transmitted from the Master and received by the upstream transceiver on the first attempt. The rate percentage represents only what the

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

upstream transceiver received.

A number of 75 or higher indicates a robust link that provides very good performance even at high data transmission rates. A number of 15 or lower indicates a weak or marginal link that provides lower data throughput. Throughput is reduced by 50 percent if the network contains a Repeater.

Note: Many settings can impact actual throughput, including Master Packet Repeat

and Max Slave Retry. In addition, if the link is asymmetrical, the percentage reported in this statistic can be very high, and the uplink can still be poor.

Signal Level

The Signal Level indicates the level of received signal at the transceiver and at each of the Repeaters in the link. The source of the signal is the transceiver that transmits to the transceiver from which you are reading this statistic. The number is an average of the received signal levels measured at each frequency in the transceiver's frequency hop table.

For a reliable link, the margin should be at least 15 dB. Low average signal levels can often be corrected with higher gain antennas, better antenna placement and/or additional Repeaters.

Transmit Current

The Transmit Current measures the current draw of the transmitter in milliamps (mA). See the transceiver specifications for typical values.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 82

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

If you are experiencing trouble with your network, use the following to initially troubleshoot and help identify the problem with the network or a transceiver within it:

l LEDs on the transceiver. See "Point-to-MultiPoint Operation LEDs" on page45 and "Point-to-Point

Operation LEDs" on page67.

l Settings

l RF Quality

Use the following flow chart and the troubleshooting list in this chapter to walk through basic checks to help diagnose the issue. If you need assistance, contact FreeWave Technical Support.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Flowchart

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Troubleshooting

Note: For AES encryption troubleshooting tips, see "Troubleshooting AES Setup" on

page77.

My transceiver does not stay in Setup mode and I am not able to program it through the diagnostics port. when I try to place the transceiver into Setup mode, all three LEDs flash green, and then go back to their previous state.

Additional symptoms of this problem include:

MultiPoint Master

MultiPoint Slave (unlinked)

MultiPoint Slave (linked)

Point-to-Point Master (unlinked)

Point-to-Point Master or Slave

Carri er

Detect

(CD)

Solid red bright Solid red dim Off

Solid red bright Off Blinking red

Solid green Off Solid red bright

Solid red bright Solid red dim Solid red bright

Solid green

Transmit

(Tx)

Intermittent f lash red Intermitt ent flash red

Clear to

Send

(CTS)

Two scenarios could be causing the transceiver to not enter Setup mode.

The transceiver is wired for RS485 and Pins 5 and 7 on a board-level transceiver, or Pins 2 and 3 on an enclosed transceiver(or one with a DB9 connector) are shorted together.

1. Separate the wires and place the transceiver into Setup.

2. Change the Setup Port parameter in the Baud Rate tab to Diagnostic Only.

If there is a data source (PLC, RTU, PC, or Terminal Server) connected to the data port data is coming into the data port while you are trying to access Setup through the diagnostics port.

1. Disconnect the data source and place the transceiver into Setup.

2. Change Setup Port parameter in the Baud Rate tab to Diagnostic Only.

My transceivers are linked, but I cannot pass data.

Verify that the Baud Rate and Data Parity settings match between devices.

We recently had a bad storm with lots of lightning and my transceiver has not worked since. I have replaced the transceiver but it still does not link.

Verify that the coax cable or antenna were not damaged in the storm.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 7: Troubleshooting

I have a new network. My transceivers are linked but I am not able to pass data. Gas Company X has had a FreeWave network out here in the same area for a long time and they are not having issues. What is wrong?

Your network is likely using the default settings for Frequency Key,Network IDs, Minimum Packet Size, and Maximum Packet Size. Refer to the user manual for the transceiver you added and change your settings from the default settings.

Most of my sites report in and I can poll, but I cannot poll any of the Slaves that talk back to Repeater 2.

Repeater 2 is experiencing high noise.

My network has been running flawlessly for the last 2 years. Now, all of a sudden, I have a group of Slaves that I cannot poll.

A Parallel Repeater has been added/changed in the network and has the same frequency settings and is now interfering with the other Repeater. Program the new Repeater with a different set of parameters.

My network keeps locking up. If I cycle power on the Master, the network is restored and I can poll again until the next time the network locks up.

There is a "chatty" Slave in the network. The Slave is not getting acknowledgement of data it sends to the Master and it keeps trying to resend data to the Master locking out all other communications to the Master. This is typically caused by a bad signal from the Slave to the Master. Verify line of sight, antenna direction, and noise levels at the Slave.

I installed a new Slave in my network, but I cannot get it to link. The CD light is solid red and the CTS light is blinking red.

LOS (Line of Sight) issue or settings issue.

I have a site that used to perform flawlessly. Now I cannot reliably get data from the RTU at this site.

Antenna reflected power causing problem. Reflected power may be caused by defects or damage in the antenna, cabling, connections, etc. Verify that the cabling, connectors, and the antenna are connected correctly and have not sustained any damage.

When I connect directly to my RTU I am able to poll data successfully. When I add in the transceivers, I cannot get any data from my poll.

Baud rate above 38,400 may need flow control line connected.

My Master transceiver is receiving odd or incorrect data after a poll request.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FGR2 Wireless Data Transceivers

Several scenarios can cause transceivers in your network to send odd or incorrect data back to the Master transceiver.

FGR2 transceivers running firmware versions prior to 8.74 have a known issue in RS485 mode that echoes data back to the Master transceiver.

1. From within Tool Suite, save a network diagnostic file for your network.

2. Review the file to find any transceivers that are running firmware versions older than 8.74.

3. Upgrade those transceivers to the latest version of firmware available. For more information, see "Upgrading Transceivers to the Latest Firmware" on page14.

For more information about using Tool Suite, see the Tool Suite User Manual available on the User Manual and System Tools CD or by selecting File > Help in the Tool Suite software.

There is a serial interface mismatch between the site, the device, or the transceiver.

1. From within Tool Suite, save a network diagnostic file for your network.

2. Scan the file for serial transceivers with a Serial Interface parameter set to RS232.

3. For RS232 transceivers, look at the Data TX information in the summary view for any transceiver that has an excessively high Data TX.

You are looking for one or more sites that increase the data count by the number of bytes contained in the poll request. For example, if a poll is 64 bytes, the data poll increases by 64 bytes after the poll.

4. The sites you identify may be configured as RS232, but wired as RS485. Send a technician to the site to verify the wiring.

5. If the site is wired for RS485 and the device connected to the transceiver is an RS485 device, correct the following parameter settings in the Baud Rate tab and send the new settings to the transceiver:

l Serial Interface - Set to RS485 .

l Setup Port - Set to Diagnostics Only.

l Modbus RTU - Set to 1.

l Turn Off Delay - Set to 4.

If the site is wired for RS485 and device connected requires RS232, correct the wiring from the transceiver to the device.

l Pin 5 on the FreeWave transceiver to device RX.

l Pin 7 on the FreeWave transceiver to device TX.

l Pin 6 on the FreeWave transceiver to device signal ground.

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014 88

Chapter 8: Additional Transceiver Information

This section contains additional important information about the FreeWave transceivers described in this manual.

l Operational RS422 and RS485 information

l Connector pin assignments

l Factory default settings

l Specifications

l Mechanical drawings

Approved Antennas

900MHz Directional Antennas

Gain (dBi) Manufacturer Manufacturer Model Number FreeWave Model Number

6 Larsen YA6-900 EAN0906YA

6 Bluewave BMY890G5502N4 EAN0906YC

10 Bluewave BMY890K5502N4 EAN0900YC

11 Larsen YA5900-W EAN0900YA

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

Chapter 8: Additional Transceiver Information

900MHz Omni-directional Antennas

Gain (dBi) Manufacturer Manufacturer Model Number FreeWave Model Number

0 Mobile Mark PSTG0-915FW EAN0900RQ

0 Mobile Mark PSTN3-915N EAN0900NH

0 Mobile Mark PSTG0-915SE EAN0900SQ

0 Mobile Mark PSTN3-915S EAN0900SH

0 JEMA JA900SS EAN0900WR

3 Maxrad MAX-9053 EAN0900WC

5 Antennex EB8965C EAN0905WC

5 Maxrad BMEFC8985HD EAN0905WC

6 Antennex FG9026 EAN0906NF

Operational RS422 and RS485 Information

For RS422 and RS485, the FreeWave transceiver can drive 32 standard unit loads and loads the bus with only 1/8 unit load. This means you can tie up to 256 devices on the bus if all of the line receivers have 1/8 unit load.

RS422 is used for 4-wire or full duplex communications with one Master transceiver and multiple Slave transceivers. The Master transceiver keeps the line driver asserted at all times. The maximum line length is 4,000 feet using two, 120 ohm twisted pair cables with a 5th wire for data common.

RS485 full duplex using 4 wire plus common is the same as RS422, except the system can have multiple Masters on the bus.

When setting the transceiver to RS485, enable Modbus and set the Master Packet Repeat parameter to 3 in the transceivers that will use RS485. Also set the Turn Off Delay parameter to 4.

RS422 and RS485 Full Duplex Pinouts

Function Bare Board Pin Number DB-9 Pin Number

RX+ 7 3

RX- 9 7

TX+ 5 2

TX- 10 8

Signal Ground 4 or 6 5

LUM0049AA Updated: 08-01-2014

FreeWave FGR2-C-U, FGR2-T-U, FGR2-WC, FGR2-CE-U User Manual And Reference Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual